Within the scope of activities of the new workgroup “Advanced Polymer-Metal Hybrid Structures”, applications are being sought for one PhD student.
The PhD scholarship is in the area of Polymer-Metal Hybrid Structures (Code-No.: 2010/WM 5) and is being offered for a 3 years period (starting 15.08.2010).
The new workgroup belongs to the Institute of Materials Research at GKSS Research Center, Germany (http://www.gkss.de). The group was established within the prestigious Helmholtz-Young Investigator Group* Programme in cooperation with the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). The research of the group focuses on the investigation of the new hybrid structures on Fibre Reinforced Plastics/Lightweight Metals produced by advanced joining technologies.
Eligible PhD-candidates must hold an outstanding university master degree in the fields of mechanical engineering (focus on materials or joining technology). Experience in the fields of mechanical testing of polymers, lightweight alloys or composites and microscopy (Optical / Electronic) are mandatory for the applicants. Knowledge in Solid-State Welding (e.g. friction stir welding), characterization of Polymer-Metal Interfaces and knowledge in applied mechanics/modelling would be advantageous for all candidates. Fluency in English is obligatory (TOEFL or IELTS proficiency preferred) and German knowledge an asset. Flexibility, teamwork, and the will to supervise students and to participate in R&D projects complete the profile of the candidate.
Content of work:
The PhD-candidate will investigate the process/properties relationships of Al, Mg, Ti alloys / CF-reinforced thermoplastics hybrid joints produced by the new Friction Spot Joining (FSpJ) method patented by GKSS.
Activities will include:
- Statistical (e.g. DOE, ANOVA) computational modelling (e.g. Artificial Neural Network) for process optimization
- Microstructural and local mechanical performance (micro and nano-scale) of the polymer-metal interface
- Determination of the influence of the joining parameters on joint microstructure, physical-chemical/thermal properties, global (static and cyclic) and corrosion/aging joint resistance.
Candidates should be flexible and able to learn and adopt new methodologies. Supervision of graduation and master students, as well participation in R&D projects will complement the activities of the PhD student.
We offer an appropriate salary related to TV-AVH as well as the usual public sector social benefits.
As equal opportunity/affirmative action employer we seek to increase the proportion of female faculty members. Qualified women are therefore especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped persons with equal qualifications will be preferred.
How to apply:
Please send your application indicating Code-No.: 2010/WM 5 , preferably by E-Mail (as pdf-file including CV and copies of master/diploma university certificates and two letters of reference) to:
personal@gkss.de
or to our personnel division.
(http://www.helmholtz.de/forschung/forschung_foerdern/nachwuchsfoerderung/helmholtz_nachwuchsgruppen/)
Closing date for applications from 06.07.2010 until 03.08.2010
