PhD Position in Numerical Modeling of the Additive Manufacturing Process

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in city of Sønderborg is home to the dynamic Centre for Industrial Mechanics, an integral part of the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. We invite applications for a 3-year PhD position in numerical modeling of the metal additive manufacturing with the focus on the laser powder bed fusion process.

The starting date for this position is flexible, with a preference for 1 September 2024 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

The application deadline is 1 June 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Workplace description

The Institute of Mechanical and Electrical engineering covers research and education spanning from fundamentals to applications of engineering science. The Centre for Industrial Mechanics is located at SDU's beautiful campus in Sønderborg, in the inspiring building of Alsion, which is a center for science, culture and learning in the heart of city and perched on the strait of water separating the island of Als from the mainland. The university has very close relations to the industry in Southern Denmark and Northern Germany. A significant fraction of the projects in the center are conducted in close cooperation with the industry, which count world leading companies in growing fields such as e-mobility, climate solutions, and energy efficiency.

Your profile

To complement our team, we are looking for a PhD student for the Fatigue and Fracture of Materials research group with expertise in theory of plasticity and numerical modeling. In addition, experience in two or more of the following fields is preferred:

• Metal additive manufacturing (3D printing),
• Fatigue and fracture,
• Solid background in dislocation theory of plasticity of metals,
• Theoretical mechanics.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience with:

• Non-linear FE analyses in ABAQUS,
• Python scripting and programming,
• Computational multiscale mechanics.

The candidate is expected to perform research work on externally funded projects as well as contribute with few controls related teaching activities.

The candidate must have:

• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, Materials Science & Engineering, or any other relevant Engineering discipline),
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems in the field of computational mechanics,
• Capacity to work effectively both in teams and independently, should have a collaborative spirit to engage with other team members, researchers, and industrial partners,
• Proficiency in English.

Contact information

For further information, please visit www.sdu.dk/ime and https://www.sdu.dk/cim and contact Associate Professor Lars Duggen (Head of Centre for Industrial Mechanics, tel. +45 6550 1640, e-mail: [email protected]) or Associate Professor Mohammad Malekan (PI of the Fatigue and Fracture of Materials research group, tel. +45 6550 8607, email: [email protected]).

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

The application must be in English and include the following:

• Detailed CV including teaching experience, awards, etc.
• A description of your vision and your research plan on the field of this post* (one-page A4 document),
• Motivation letter,
• E-mail and contact information for at least two references (who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice. We advise you to make preliminary agreements with your references to being contacted regarding this matter), 
• List of publications* (and an example of a relevant publication, in case you have any),
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation,
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website,
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website,
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish),
• For applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

Items marked with * are NOT mandatory, however positive to include.

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. 

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. 

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD fellow governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment. 

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). 

The application deadline is 1 June 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Formalities

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to a position before it can be filled.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.