Early Stage Research Fellow (ESR09 Marie Curie) - 3D printing of ceramics, Materials Science and En

Applications are invited for the position of an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who wants to study for a PhD by research in the field of 3D printing of ceramics, Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering as part of a multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant, DOC-3D-Printing (www.doc-3d-printing.eu).

Functionally-graded multi-material structures can help a specific structure achieve enhanced localised structural or functional performance that cannot be achieved in monolithic structures. The use of 3D printing might assist in addressing the challenge to create those structures.

This project will explore the utility of 3D printing and other technologies in creating a process route to produce multi-component structure for applications in the aerospace and medical sectors. In the aerospace sector, the focus will be on the creation of a multi ceramic structure through a combined use of selective laser melting, stereolithography, and gel casting.The structures can be employed in aero-engine and space structures, especially for the structures that face two different environments (e.g. oxidising high temperature end and low temperature end in a thrusters shield), or in functionally-graded structures that are required to achieve a certain thermal management role.

In the medical sector, the aim is to create a ceramic structure infiltrated with an active (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or antibiotic) structure, which can be applied as bone replacement, especially in infected injuries or revision surgeries. The orthopaedic market requests novel products to address the challenging needs of surgeons.

 

Objectives of the project:

The control of texture and the use of composite 3D printed structures will involve the following subtasks:

• Development of target systems
• Development of process concepts of reaction formed composite textures
• Printing onto substrates to evaluate textural capability
• Identification of 3D processing parameters and optimisation including laser wavelength and power required for composite deposition

 

The thesis will be co-supervised by Prof Moataz Attallah and Dr Artemis Stamboulis (University of Birmingham) in collaboration with Dr David Grossin (INPT, Toulouse) and Lithoz GmbH (Wien, Austria) for a minimum 3 months for each secondment.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Design and conduct experiments in the areas of 3D Printing of Ceramics and Processing and Characterization of Ceramics and Ceramic Composites
• Analyse and interpret the research results and generate new ideas and experiments based on the outcomes
• Disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective media such as publications, research seminars, conferences, and social media platforms
• Report and present results at scientific meetings
• Actively participate in collaborations with academic research groups and project partners
• Suggest and contribute to the development of research technique, models and methods in collaboration with colleagues

Research Field: Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Surface Engineering

 

Skills

Technical

• Design of Experiments and Statistical analysis of Data
• Basic Knowledge on Design (Solidworks)
• Basic knowledge of surface properties and characterization techniques

Organization and personal

• Self organization of own activities
• Data organization, reporting and presentation

 

Specific Requirements

Technical

• Basic knowledge on ceramics

 

Organization and personal

• R&D Orientation and experience
• Capability of performing laboratory activities
• Willingness to work flexibly in order to achieve project demands and targets as agreed with Supervisor(s) is essential.
• Able to travel to workshops and for research collaboration in other EU countries with notice is essential.
• Candidates must not have resided and not have carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date

 

Required Languages

Language Level

English B2 and IELTS= 6

 

Required Research Experience

Years of Research Experience

Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Surface Engineering Minimum 0 - Maximum 4

* full-time equivalent means the research experience measured from the date when the above-mentioned degree granting access to doctoral studies was obtained (irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is or was ever envisaged). Any periods of part-time activity in research should be translated into full-time experience (e.g. 3 years half time = 1,5 years full-time). Please note that the applicant may be asked to produce evidence of this experience at any stage.

The development of ceramic 3D printed textures and structures in composite (multi-component) materials for aeronautic and medical applications (WP3)