Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Chemistry programme. The position is available from August 2022 or later.
 

PhD Scholarship: Developing Novel Amorphous Metals for 3D-printed Biomedical Implants
 

Research area and project description:
Aarhus University, Dept. of Chemistry and iMAT Integrated Center for Materials Research, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position. The goal of this PhD project is to develop novel amorphous metals for additive manufacturing (3D printing) of biomedical implants.

Amorphous metals have disordered atomic structure and possess remarkable properties compared with crystalline metals. They have a high yield strength, high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high elastic limit with a low Young’s modulus, rendering them very attractive for biomedical applications. However, casting large and complex shaped amorphous metal parts is extremely difficult because it requires a high glass forming ability of the alloys. This project will develop new types of biocompatible alloys in the context of additive manufacturing and will demonstrate new ways of fabricating large and complex shaped amorphous metal parts. The project will focus on alloy development, characterizations, and testing for additive manufacturing and bio-mechanical performance. It will involve multiple synthesis, processing, and characterization techniques including arc-melting, sputtering depositions, X-ray diffractions, electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, additive manufacturing, and biocompatible and mechanical testing. It will also take advantage of the possibilities offered by large-scale facilities for neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering at DESY (Hamburg) and MAXIV (Lund) etc., to study their atomic-scale structures. The successfully developed alloys will be the promising materials for 3D-printed biomedical implants with superior properties and performance for health industrial applications. This project is supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation.

More background info: https://chem.au.dk/AmorphousMatLab

Why to apply?
The PhD candidate will become an expert in alloy development and additive manufacturing of amorphous metals and obtain a PhD degree from a well-respected world-top university. She/he will work in an inspired international environment and have opportunities of international research stays as well as attending international conferences. The candidate will benefit from strong international collaborations and work with top experts and industrial partners in the field. Full scholarship will be provided including full salary in Danish standard, work benefit, and study fees. 

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position should have a Master’s degree, or in the process of gaining a Master degree, in chemistry, materials science/engineering, physics, or related fields. The candidate should have strong interest in hands-on experiments, alloying, and data analysis. Background with alloy development would be appreciated. A good understanding of amorphous metals, glass forming, thermodynamic and mechanical properties is a bonus. She/he should have a high degree of motivation and can work independently. Good communication skills and teamwork spirit are required. The candidate should speak and write fluent English.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Chemistry, Langelandsgade 140, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark. 
 

Contacts:
Applicants are encouraged to send a copy of CV, cover letter (motivation), and transcripts etc. to:
Assistant professor Shuai Wei, e-mail: shuai.wei@chem.au.dk. Please use the subject line "YOUR_NAME_PhD_AM2022".
Your CV will be screened, but please note that you still have to apply through the official application portal (see How to Apply) before the deadline to be evaluated.

How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying and note the GSNS language skills requirement.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2022)

1. Choose May 2022 Call with deadline 1 May 2022 at 23:59 CEST.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Chemistry”.
3. When filling in information about the project, please choose: “Developing Novel Amorphous Metals for 3D-printed Biomedical Implants (DNAM3B)” in the dropdown menu in the box named “Study”.
4. Project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like.

Please note:
The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.