Netherlands : PhD: Self-Healing MAX-Phase Ceramics

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Surface and Interface research group of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering conducts projects that involve the relations between properties, chemistry and structure of various metal and ceramic coatings on metallic substrates.

Job description

The research on self-healing materials concerns high-temperature metallic coatings, thermal barrier coating systems, MAX-phase and oxide ceramics. This PhD project is part of an International Training Network (ITN) called ‘SHeMat’ funded by the European Union (www.SHeMat.eu). This project aims at establishing the application windows such that the self-healing phenomena of MAX-phase ceramics can be fully utilised. To this end, experiments are foreseen to determine quantitatively the crack filling kinetics and strength recovery of selected MAX-phase ceramics as a function of temperature, time and environment. To facilitate the transition of this academic research to pre-industrial exploration of this material in practical applications, models will be developed which will quantify the degree of restoration of the initial mechanical properties as a function of the operating temperature and time.

Requirements

The PhD candidate must hold a Master degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science. The candidate must have the ambition to do scientific work at a high level, be fluent in English and be experienced in writing. In addition, the candidate must have outstanding experimental competence and a strong affinity for physical-chemical modelling. Good communication skills and the ability to work in an international team with scientists and technicians are required.

Conditions of employment

The successful candidate will be employed by Delft University of Technology for a fixed period of four years within which he/she is expected to write a doctoral thesis.
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Wim G. Sloof, phone: +31 (0)152784924, e-mail: W.G.Sloof@tudelft.nl or Prof. Sybrand van der Zwaag, phone: +31 (0)152782248, e-mail: S.vanderZwaag@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter motivating your application by 1 September 2012 to: application-3mE@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME12-22.
Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 30 June 2012

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