PhD Position in Additive Manufacturing Metastable Microstructures, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Summary

The University of Duisburg-Essen invites applications for a doctoral researcher position in the Institute of Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering. The role is part of a DFG‑funded project investigating the influence of highly distorted microstructures on athermal martensitic phase transformation in additively manufactured steels. The appointment is a 30‑month contract at TV‑L 13 salary scale (€59,324‑84,319 gross) with 100 % FTE, starting no earlier than 1 February 2027. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in engineering or related natural sciences and possess skills in numerical methods, finite‑element analysis, and additive manufacturing. Excellent English, teamwork, and communication abilities are required. The position offers job security, doctoral qualification support, extensive training, and a family‑friendly environment.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Institute of Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Engineering
Research Area	Materials science, finite element method, additive manufacturing, martensitic phase transformation
Degree Required	Master degree
Salary	TV-L 13 salary scale, 100 % FTE, €59.324,00 € – 84.319,00 gross
Funding	DFG-funded project
Contract Duration	30 months
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-12
Required Documents	motivation letter, CV, attachments
Employer Address	Forsthausweg 2 (Duisburg campus); Universitätsstraße 2 (Essen campus), 47057 (Duisburg); 45141 (Essen), North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	Phone: +49 201 183 2660; Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The DFG‑funded project "Increased Metastability by Highly Distorted Microstructures – Understanding Athermal Martensitic Phase Transformation in the Context of Additive Manufacturing" aims to elucidate how the unique microstructures produced by additive manufacturing affect athermal martensitic transformations and transformation‑induced plasticity in metastable austenitic steel, using advanced characterization and numerical simulations to separate volumetric material behavior from grain‑scale deformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the DFG‑funded project on additive manufacturing microstructures and martensitic transformation
• Publish results in international peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences
• Pursue doctoral qualification alongside research activities

Required Skills

• Numerical methods for solid or structural mechanics
• Finite element method experience
• Multiscale modeling or additive manufacturing knowledge
• Coding skills
• Team‑working and communication abilities
• Excellent written and spoken English

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree in engineering, natural sciences, applied mathematics or related fields, who have experience or strong interest in numerical methods for solid mechanics, finite‑element analysis, multiscale modeling, or additive manufacturing, and who possess good coding, teamwork, communication and English skills.

Benefits

• Job security with stable overall conditions
• Research‑focused environment with international scope
• Opportunity to pursue doctoral qualification with support options
• Wide selection of further training and education opportunities
• Canteens and cafés on campus
• Corporate Benefits discounts
• Family‑friendly services such as childcare advice
• Free parking and good public‑transport accessibility
• 30 days annual leave plus additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• Sports and health services

About the Employer

The University of Duisburg‑Essen is presented as a young, innovative university in the Ruhr region, emphasizing outstanding research, international collaboration, and a commitment to diversity and equity. The faculty and the Mechanics Division focus on theoretical and computer‑aided mechanics, especially materials science and finite‑element method development.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the employment start?

No earlier than February 1, 2027.

What is the duration of the contract?

30 months.

What documents must be submitted?

Motivation letter, CV, and any attachments as part of the digital application.

Who is the contact person for the application?

Dr.-Ing. Sonja Hellebrand, phone +49 201 183 2660, email [email protected].

What is the salary range?

€59,324.00 to €84,319.00 gross per year on the TV‑L 13 scale.