Research Assistant - PhD Student Sustainable Materials Engineering (m/f/d)

The Institute for Visual Design (IBF) at RWTH Aachen University stands for innovation in the shaping of metallic materials. With the knowledge of our interdisciplinary team of engineers:inside we develop resource-efficient processes and optimize existing manufacturing processes. The span ranges from processes for extremely small structures for functional surfaces to hot forming of several hundred tons of heavy free-form forging components. Modern forming systems are available on an industrial scale for experiments. The use and further development of numerical methods of process simulation and material modeling is an essential part of the research work. At the IBF, the group Flach- & Langprodukte deals with various questions of modeling and design of re-forming processes in the area of rollers. These energy-intensive process steps pass through most metallic products. Because of the enormous quantities of production, improvements in resource efficiency in this area have a particularly large and positive leverage effect. We achieve progress through the use of cross-scale process and material simulation and AI-based analysis of production data in cooperation with our partners from industry and science. The RWTH is certified as a family-friendly university. RWTH offers a variety of health, counselling and prevention services (e.g. university sports) as part of a university health management. There is a wide range of training and the possibility of obtaining a job ticket for employees and civil servants.

The work of the research focuses on the development of an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient process for the composite rolling of production scraps made of ferritic stainless steel. The aim is to consolidate sheet metal scrap below the melting temperature in order to avoid the energy-intensive liquid phase and thus to achieve significant energy savings compared with conventional recycling in the electric arc furnace. The combination of the process parameters is decisive for the formation of a composite during the rolling, the temperature and the decrease in height in the rolling gap, since these essentially define the stress and strain state. For the determination of a suitable process window, hot and cold rolling tests are carried out on the IBF based on physical process simulations. The composite development in the rolling process is simulated by the further development of an FEM model. The modelling of the composite strength takes up a substantial part of the research work. In exchange with our partners, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the rolled sheets are characterized in order to fully evaluate the experimental and numerical results and to classify them in the overall process. You can publish your research results in renowned scientific journals and provide technology transfer to industry through lectures at national and international conferences. There is the possibility of a doctorate in the fields of research projects and beyond. In addition, an engagement in teaching and the processing of job research for the industry is one of your tasks at the institute. The institute is increasingly represented in the field of external meetings and in exchange with our partners. In addition, the institute offers the possibility of further education and certification (RWTH Doctoral Academy) through the RWTH.

You have completed a technical study (material engineering/material science, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, automation technology, etc.) at a university (graduate: master or comparable) with a very good success. For the current position, prior knowledge or experience in some of the following areas are advantageous: Process chains and processes (rolling, forging, sheet metal forming) Experience in performing experiments and operation of machines Numerical simulation of re-engineering processes and modelling of the resulting microstructure development Development and derivation of models from simulated or measured data Programming skills (C or C++, Fortran, Matlab, Python, Java etc.) You have a high degree of independence, commitment, initiative and personal resilience. You are interested in research and the development of innovative processes. In addition, you should have a very good communication and team capability as well as a safe occurrence. The basic prerequisite is also the secure mastery of German and English.

The employment is in the employment relationship. The place shall be occupied at the next possible time and shall be limited to at least three years. An extension of another 2-3 years is planned. The temporary employment is carried out within the framework of the time-limits of the science-time contract law. It is a full-time job. There is a doctoral opportunity. The grouping depends on the TV-L. The place is rated with EG 13 TV-L. The job description is aimed at all sexes. We want to promote the careers of women at RWTH Aachen University and are therefore looking forward to applicants. Women are preferably taken into account in the case of equal suitability, competence and professional performance, provided You are underrepresented in the organisational unit and, if not in the person of a competitor, outweigh the reasons. Applications for suitable people with difficulty are expressly desired. For the purposes of equal treatment, we ask you to waive an application photo. Information on the collection of personal data pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can be found at https://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbe