The Particles on the Edge (PLEDGE) project:  

PLEDGE is a challenging research project funded by the Dutch government and the Materials Innovation Institute (M2i) to understand the consequences of 'green' steel making (i) using a hydrogen-based production process and (ii) with an increased usage of recycled (scrap) material. The mechanical properties of any steel rely strongly on second-phase particles in the metallic microstructure, yet, the amount and distribution of second-phase particles can vary considerably in green steels. Therefore, the goal of the PLEDGE project is to deeply understand and manage the microscopic deformation mechanisms in the presence of second-phase particles, to enable future 'green' steel making. To address this goal, a multi-scale integrated experimental-numerical micromechanical approach is adopted.

Vacancy for an experimental PhD student with a focus on in-situ micro-mechanical testing

• In the experimental PhD project within PLEDGE, you will apply state-of-the-art high-resolution microstructure-correlated strain mapping, based on tensile testing inside an SEM combined with EBSD/SEM/EDS/STEM analysis of the microstructure, to experimentally reveal and quantitatively characterize the relevant fundamental micro-deformation mechanisms.
• You will closely integrate your advanced experiments with state-of-the-art micro-mechanical modelling of the true 3D microstructures, performed in the numerical PhD project within PLEDGE.
• You will also work together with the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) student on the project, targeting macroscale exploitation and industrial application in collaboration with Tata Steel.

Section Mechanics of Materials and the Multi-scale Mechanics Laboratory

You will work in the section of Mechanics of Materials (MoM) (www.tue.nl/mechmat) at the department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The MoM section is globally recognized for its high-level research on experimental analysis, theoretical understanding and predictive modelling of complex mechanical behavior in engineering materials at different length scales (e.g, plasticity, damage, fracture,…), which emerges from the physics and mechanics of the underlying multi-phase microstructure. An integrated numerical-experimental approach is generally adopted for this goal.

You will carry out the state-of-the-art high-resolution in-situ SEM micro-mechanical experiments at the Multi-scale Mechanics (MsL) Laboratory (www.tue.nl/multiscale-lab), led by dr. Johan Hoefnagels (www.tue.nl/hoefnagels-group), which is a state-of-the art lab focusing on 'integrated mechanical testing' with a wide range of micro-mechanical tests and high-end microscopes.

• A talented, motivated, enthusiastic, curiosity-driven researcher. Deep analytical skills, initiative, creativity, and flexibility are highly desired.
• An MSc-degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent. A strong background in mechanics of materials / solid mechanics is required.
• Experience in experimental mechanics, mechanical testing, micromechanics, microscopy and metallurgy, structure-property relationships, FEM simulations, Matlab/Python coding are of benefit.
• Interest to work in an interdisciplinary project.
• Excellent oral and writing skills in English.  

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network, with strong connection to the industry. There will also be plenty of possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• You will spend max 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• You are offered an advanced PhD-level training program in the field of Engineering Mechanics, organized by the Dutch Graduate School on Engineering Mechanics (engineeringmechanics.nl).
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students, as well as various high-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• A full-time employment of four years and salary & benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• Additionally, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.