As part of the European project FibReLoop, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network, we have two PhD positions on modelling and characterization of recycled thermoplastic composite materials. The positions will be co-hosted by the University of Twente (the chairs of Production Technology and Computational Design of Structural Materials) and the ThermoPlastic Composites Research Center.

Background and Challenge
The properties of composite materials largely depend on the distribution of their constituents and their respective properties. Any recycling process will impact both of these, leading to additional microstructural variability. Only with detailed understanding, proper characterisation and accurate modelling we can hope for reliable predictions of the structure, properties and performance of the resulting recycled composite part.

This requires micro-mechanical models to be developed, firstly for the rheological behaviour of compression moulded recycled discontinuous composites, as well as experiments to characterise the behaviour of these materials during processing.

Job description
We are seeking two enthusiastic PhD candidates to join us for a full-time, fully funded, 4-year project working within the large European consortium “FibReLoop: Closing the fibre reinforced composites loop: recycling materials for recycled components”. One PhD project will be predominantly computational and the other experimental.

The FibReLoop Doctoral Network strives to promote the industrial implementation of circular economy strategies for composites. Fourteen doctoral candidates will be trained at various institutions throughout Europe to address the recycling of a composite part all the way to the design and production of new recycled components. The topics include the evaluation, improvement, and development of current or new recycling technologies; the experimental assessment of the behaviour of the recycled materials; the development of material models and design approaches for recycled composites and parts; and the implementation of these materials circular economic practices into real-life industrial cases. FibReLoop involves 18 European universities and companies. Hired researchers will receive training by world-leading experts in innovative technologies, supported by a strong network and extensive industry participation.

As part of their training, all researchers will participate in the dedicated training programme organised by FibReLoop (including technical, communication, career management and business skills) and in six-monthly project meetings. Also, they will have an industrial and an academic secondment of approximately three months each at one of the partner institutions. Further, the researchers will write scientific papers for publication in top-level journals in materials science/mechanics, present their research in project meetings, international conferences and outreach events, and work in close collaboration with their supervisors while being the driving force for their own PhD.

You are a highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity and has:

• a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or equivalent,
• for the computational project: experience with the finite element method and programming experience in programming or scripting languages (Fortran, C++, Python or Matlab),
• for the experimental project: experimental and theoretical skills in rheology of polymers and fiber reinforced composites,
• proficiency in English, both spoken and written (we require a TOEFL > 90 or IELTS > 6.5 score). The latter is not necessary for native speakers of English or whose MSc program was in English,
• You are able to start the position no later than 1 March 2025.

We offer a full-time 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.872 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.670 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, and 29 vacation days in case of full-time employment;
• A training program, where you and your supervisors will settle a plan for education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

Please submit your application before 20 October, 2024 by using the “Apply now” button, and include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4, clearly indicating for which position (experimental or numerical) you are applying, explaining your motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this project. Please also indicate clearly that you fulfill the mobility requirements.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references;
• Transcripts from your Bachelor and/or Master degrees including grades of your BSc and MSc courses
• IELTS or TOEFL score (if applicable

We will invite shortlisted applicants for a written assessment, followed by interviews of the best performing candidates in the second half of November.

Additional information about these positions can be acquired from prof.dr.ir Remko Akkerman (r.akkerman@utwente.nl).