The Chair of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics at the Faculty of Engineering Technology, has an opening for a postdoctoral position on the development of physics-based models to predict mechanical performance based on electromagnetic sensing behaviors in steel production processes.

The Challenge

In steel production lines, electromagnetic sensors conduct non-destructive, online measurements to deduce the magnetic properties of materials from sensor data, correlating these with mechanical properties. This requires an understanding of the structure-property relationships.

The project intends to extend current research at the University of Twente by developing physics-based models for electromagnetic measurements of steel sheets across various grades on a production line. The primary objective is to model the electromagnetic response of steel's polycrystalline microstructure through micro-to-macro transformations. This involves enhancing the models to incorporate the effects of dislocation density, phase distribution, and residual stresses on the magnetic responses detectable by line sensors. Such advancements will facilitate the optimization of sensor systems in terms of geometry and placement, potentially enhancing steel production efficiency.

In this project, you will report your research during bi-weekly meetings of our research group and frequent meetings with the industrial partner. You are encouraged to present your results at international scientific conferences, and publish them in academic journals. Furthermore, as a researcher, you will be encouraged to tutor MSc students who do their final assignment on parts of the current research project. Your advisors will be Dr. habil Celal Soyarslan and Prof. Dr. Ton van den Boogaard.

• a PhD degree in Computational Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with excellent grades
• interest in modelling of production processes
• a background in nonlinear solid mechanics, computational methods, materials science and/or electromagnetism
• strong programming skills
• a high degree of responsibility and independence
• strong communication skills for effective academic and industrial collaboration
• proficiency in English, both verbal and written (IELTS minimum score 6.5 or TOEFL-iBT minimum score 90)

• a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance
• excellent working conditions in an exciting scientific environment and a green and lively campus
• a one year and 8 months fulltime postdoc position
• excellent mentorship and facilities
• a professional and personal development program within the University of Twente
• A gross salary between € 4.020,- and € 5.278,- per month, depending on experience and qualifications;
• a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment
• full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits

Please submit your application before November 30th , 2024, using the "Apply now" button, and include the following:

• curriculum vitae
• letter of motivation
• grades of the BSc and MSc courses
• IELTS or TOEFL score
• contact information of 2 references

The intended starting date is between January and February 2025.

For more information, you can contact Dr. habil Celal Soyarslan by phone: +31 5 3489 7499, or by email: c.soyarslan@utwente.nl.

First (online) interviews will be held on 6 December and 11 December, 2024.