SHORT DESCRIPTION
The candidate will participate in a public funded research project (BIOFUN3D – “Controlled degradation of bioabsorbable implants through the introduction of functional gradients using 3D printing, Proyecto de Generación de Conocimiento”) aiming at developing and studying Zn-based alloys with functional gradients via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process.
This position focuses on characterizing the powder, the LPBF process and the characterization of the mechanical, degradation and biological properties of the manufactured materials.
OTHER DETAILS
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.
Bioabsorbable metallic scaffolds and implants constitute an important area of research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In contrast with other biomaterials used as scaffolds, such as hydrogels, they represent the only family of materials that can generate a temporary platform to support and ideally induce the growth or healing of a biological tissue, while exhibiting sufficient mechanical properties during the process in a number of applications, such as bone regeneration or cardiovascular stents.
This project will study the processability of Zn-based alloys for biomedical applications using in-situ X-ray tomography during LPBF process. The focus is to understand the fundamental mechanisms in this particular material with low melting and boiling points where the generated fumes post a problem for the processability of the material. The effect of metal vapor on the melt-pool and defectology characteristic as the material is printed will be investigated via quantitative electron and X-ray microscopy. The effect of reused powder on the printed material microstructure is of critical relevance to obtain microstructures suitable for biomedical applications, as well as for process sustainability. During the printing process high speed visual imaging will be used to correlate and compare the effect of printing conditions and reused powder in the AM process by quantifying material evaporation. This will allow to create printing strategies that mitigate the defect creation.
These results, combined with lab manufacturing, biological, degradation and microstructural characterization at IMDEA Materials will help to accelerate material development for additive manufacturing, qualify alloys for biomedical applications and optimize their powder recycling to ensure that the recycled powder meets the required standards for AM applications.
In this study, the candidate main task is to:
The position is most appropriate for recent master's graduates (or soon to graduate) in fields related to material science and engineering, or related disciplines with excellent academic credentials.
Programming knowledge in any language, preferably Python for compatibility with already developed work will be valued.
Full proficiency in English, oral and written, is mandatory.
Interested candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae, a brief cover letter addressing their motivation, as well as academic credentials.
- 1 years contract. Extension possible.
- Part-time contract including social security coverage.
- The post will remain active and 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.