SHORT DESCRIPTION

X-ray radiography and tomography analysis of metallic materials, including: 3D non-destructive microstructure analysis of 3D-printed compositionally-graded materials, optimization of homemade furnace for in-situ radiography and tomography of directional solidification experiments, and advanced image processing & analysis.


OTHER DETAILS

Ref. num. 2023-DT-PD-45

Postdoctoral researcher in non-destructive X-ray characterization of metallic materials


IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.


Description

The postdoctoral researcher will be jointly appointed in the Modeling & Simulation of Materials Processing group and the In-situ Processing & Mechanical Characterization of Materials at IMDEA Materials Institute. The work will focus on X-ray image analysis, optimization and image quantification for 3D tomography of 3D-printed (additively manufactured) compositionally-graded metallic materials, as well as time-resolved X-ray radiography and tomography of in situ directional solidification experiments of metallic alloys. The applicant will participate in the optimization of singular in-situ devices for laboratory and synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT) developed at IMDEA.

The job will aim at leveraging X-ray radiography and tomography techniques as a non-destructive technique for the determination of complex microstructures and of microstructure evolution (from in situ solidification experiments) using time-resolved X-ray imaging. For this purpose, the project will use both laboratory and synchrotron X-ray tomography techniques.

The work involves material processing, X-ray characterization, data analysis and programming. Therefore, a high interest in programming is mandatory. Some programming knowledge (preferably in python) is desirable, as well as in machine learning techniques, data visualization, image analysis.

The candidate will contribute to the project by:

  • Performing 3D analysis of microstructures (e.g. phases) and defects (e.g. porosity, cracks) in 3D printed compositionally graded materials
  • Microstructure analysis of 3D X-ray computed tomography volumes
  • Image analysis of in-situ X-ray radiographies from directional solidification
  • Optimizing the design of two homemade furnaces for in-situ X-ray radiography and tomography furnaces for directional solidification
  • Developing innovative methodologies for image processing

Requirements
  • Doctoral degree (or close to obtaining) in experimental Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
  • Knowledge in programming (Labview, Python, Matlab, C++, etc.)
  • Knowledge in CAD design software (FreeCAD, AutoCAD, CATIA, etc.)
  • High level of English is mandatory (oral and written)
  • Knowledge of metallic materials
  • Curiosity and initiative

Conditions

Full-time 6 month contract

Start date: Available immediately, position open until filled.


Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND AT IMDEA:

Stimulating environment where you can grow professionally.

IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions. See our Gender Equality Plan here and our Code of Ethics here.

Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills. See the available training here.

Meet some of our alumni to see what it is like to work with us.