PhD Position Machine Learning-driven Modeling of Metallic Microstructures

Challenge: Solve computational bottlenecks in the modelling of mechanics of metallic systems.Change: Develop new physics-informed machine learning algorithms and predictive models.Impact: Enable high-throughput analysis of process-structure-property relations for sustainable processing of metallic systems.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Metals play a critical role in the sustainable technological growth of our society. With recent breakthroughs in materials discovery, several new sustainable alloys are on the horizon. However, determining how these materials behave and optimizing methods for processing of these materials is a challenge. This is largely due to the difficulty in modelling the intricate interactions between the materials' structure, properties, and processing methods at various scales, from the microscopic to the macroscopic level.

As a PhD, you will develop a physics-informed machine learning framework to address those micromechanics modelling bottlenecks and enable high-throughput investigation of the process-structure-property relations of metallic systems. Through this, we hope to accelerate the development of next-generation materials with improved performance, impacting a wide range of applications.

Why join us?

• This will be a 4-year PhD position embedded in the Mechanics, Materials, and Computing Group of Dr. Sid Kumar, see: (https://www.mech-mat.com/).
• You will lead a pioneering and open-ended project at the forefront of machine learning and computational mechanics.
• You will join a dynamic team of researchers with diverse interests at the intersection of computational mechanics and machine learning.
• You will receive dedicated mentorship and support in developing your independent academic career.

REQUIREMENTS

• A MSc in a relevant field (e.g., computational or applied mechanics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science).
• Experience in machine learning for scientific applications.
• Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.).
• A passion for cutting-edge research and the drive to solve complex problems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

EMPLOYER

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

DEPARTMENT

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Sid Kumar (Sid.Kumar@tudelft.nl). For more information about the recruitment process, please contact Recruitment-ME@tudelft.nl.