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.

The PhD candidate will be involved in a research project focused on the development of biodegradable Zn alloys with optimized mechanical, corrosion, and biological properties for medical devices. This project aims to advance the field of biomaterials by proposing new Zn alloys produced via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) as a promising alternative for manufacturing biodegradable medical implants.

Some of the specific tasks that will be required are:

• Design and fabricate novel Zn alloys using LPBF technology.
• Investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn alloys.

• Optimize processing parameters to produce Zn-based lattices by LPBF
• Improve the degradation and biological performance of the Zn-alloys through plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings

• Evaluate the corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of these materials.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in biomaterials and knowledge of metals, 3D printing techniques, material characterization, biology, and cell culture techniques

• A master's degree in materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, biomaterials, or additive manufacturing (highly desirable)
• Experience with corrosion testing, biocompatibility assessments, or microstructural analysis (highly desirable).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team..
• Fluent in English (written and oral).
• Confident in hands-on work in the lab and an excellent self-starter.
• Quick learner and comfortable working in novel environments.
• Ability to set up new experiments based on requirements.

• An opportunity to work on cutting-edge research with significant potential for medical innovation.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities for materials processing and characterization.
• Support for personal and professional development throughout the PhD program.
• Three-year contract with a first-year evaluation period.
• Full-time contract, including social security coverage.

Incorporation: Preferable first semester 2025