This postdoc position is hosted by the Additive Manufacturing (AM) research group, under the direct supervision of Prof. Bey Vrancken – as part of the Manufacturing and Process Systems division (MaPS) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven. The KU Leuven AM group is a worldwide pioneer in AM research. At present, the AM group is continuing and extending their research activities in different areas related to laser-based AM (see also the research group website): broadening the materials palette for AM (ceramics, aluminum, bio materials, …); relating process conditions to static and dynamic mechanical properties via analysis of micro structure, texture, porosity, thermal stresses,…; machine design and process optimization (software and hardware, integrating new enabling technologies); and in-situ and post-process quality control (X-ray CT, process monitoring, closed loop control, post-build treatments).
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The successful applicant is expected to partake in, and follow up on ongoing projects concerning process monitoring of laser powder bed fusion:
Additionally, the position allows for the remaining time to be used for either collaborating with the AM team on their work, or for new investigations that the successful applicant envisions to study, leveraging the unique capabilities of the AM facilities.
The ideal candidate is highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher with a PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation Engineering, or a closely related field. You have an excellent academic track record. You have experience with laser powder bed fusion hardware and operating systems, process monitoring, data science, Python and/or LabVIEW. You are aware of the limitations imposed by the eventual implementation into process control loops: signal noise, complex correlations with process phenomena, fast processing speeds, data transfer, and limited computational space. You have managed research projects before or are willing to develop the soft skills necessary to do so. Furthermore, applicants should have excellent oral and written English communication skills (TOEFL score of at least 94 or IELTS-score of 7 or higher).
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to education at the Bachelor or Master level (master thesis supervision, teaching of exercise or practical sessions, …), take a leading role in mentoring PhD students working on similar subjects as the described project, and provide the day-to-day follow up of projects mentioned in the project description.
The successful candidate is expected to start on September 1st 2024 (upon agreement with Prof. Vrancken).
Documents required for application:
1. Full CV – mandatory
2. Motivation letter (maximum 1 page) – mandatory
3. Proof of PhD
4. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, …) - if available
5. Two reference letters - if available
6. An English version of MSc or of a recent publication or assignment - if available
Selected candidates will proceed towards an online interview, and may be asked to read a scientific publication and prepare a short presentation to present themselves, and their understanding of that paper.
For more information do not hesitate to contact Prof. dr. ir. Bey Vrancken (tel.: +32 16 19 48 65, mail: bey.vrancken@kuleuven.be).
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