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.

This ambitious project combines the development of biodegradable Zn alloys with optimized mechanical, corrosion, and biological properties for medical devices with in-situ and operando synchrotron X-ray imaging of the LPBF process. It will involve advanced data analytics, and comprehensive ex-situ microstructural characterization to accelerate Zn-based biodegradable materials development. The research will be performed in close collaboration with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) through the AM Beam Allocation Group coordinated by IMDEA Materials.

The successful candidate will work at the frontier of additive manufacturing, advanced characterization, and biomedical materials, contributing high-impact knowledge to a rapidly growing field.

The selected candidate will:

Operando & In-situ Experimental Work

• Conduct high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging experiments at ESRF (ID19, BM05 or similar beamlines).
• Operate and optimize the LPBF process replicator for Zn alloy powders.
• Perform laboratory work on our LPBF and print different topologies for biomedical applications.

Data Processing & Analysis

• Quantify melt pool geometry, flow instabilities, vapor plume dynamics, and defect formation.
• Extract, process, and statistically analyze large-scale time-resolved datasets.
• Implement image analysis pipelines and optionally machine learning tools for feature detection and correlation mapping.

Ex-situ Characterization

• Conduct post-build microstructural and defect analysis using:
  • SEM/EBSD/EDS
  • Micro-CT, XRD
  • Nanoindentation
• Validate operando findings through metallurgical assessments.

Essential

• B.Sc./M.Sc. degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Metallurgy, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in additive manufacturing, metal processing, or advanced characterization.
• Experience with laboratory experimentation and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• High average grade in the B.Sc and M.Sc degree (above 8.3/10)

Desirable

• Prior exposure to LPBF or other AM technologies.
• Experience with synchrotron or neutron techniques.
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, machine learning libraries).
• Familiarity with microstructural characterization tools (SEM, EBSD, X-ray CT).
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including scientific writing.

• A 48-month fully funded contract at a top international research institute. The contract is linked to the successful obtention of a PhD grant, and the institute will provide full support during the preparation of the proposal.
• Guaranteed participation in multiple ESRF beamtime campaigns.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities at IMDEA Materials and ESRF.
• A dynamic, multicultural research environment in Madrid.