PhD Laser additive manufacturing of new-gen aluminium alloys with Synchrotron Techniques

Context & Job Description
Thesis subject: Explore process-microstructure-property/functionality-performance relationship in novel aluminium alloys using advanced synchrotron techniques.
You will join ID19's team at the ESRF, Grenoble, France. ID19 is a 150 meter-long ESRF beamline dedicated to high resolution X-ray imaging (radiography and microtomography) using (partially) coherent hard X-rays. The beamline combines a broad range of cutting-edge experimental setups with intense polychromatic illumination for (high-speed) phase contrast X-ray imaging at high photon energies: perfectly suited for in situ studies of materials, operando processes and engineering devices.

The aim of the PhD project is to explore the process-microstructure-property/functionality-performance relationship in novel aluminium alloys using advanced synchrotron techniques. This will drive the science of future alloys and transform Europe's capacity in advanced metal manufacturing towards a greener future.

Laser Metal Additive Manufacturing (LMAM) enables rapid fabrication of complex geometries from digital design. LMAM supports sustainability and circular economy by reducing material waste, by placing material only where it is needed in a component, and by extending the service life through the repair and remanufacture of components. The scientific goal of this project is to identify the process-microstructure-property/functionality-performance relationship is novel aluminium alloys to ensure the realisation of the LMAM in industrial production and achieve the targeted circular economy benefits.

Backed up by leading aluminium supplier Constellium and the Centre for Additivie Manufacturing, RMIT (Australia), this project uses advanced synchrotron X-ray imaging and tomography techniques to understand the microstructure and porosity formation mechanisms and how it improves the property/functionality-performance relationship.

Further information may be obtained from:
Dr. Alexander Rack
(email: ), from
Dr. Yunhui Chen
, (email: )

Expected profile

• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities. The candidate must have obtained and provide proof of a diploma at the time of application.
• A background in experimentation is desirable, and knowledge of X-ray imaging techniques, metallurgy as well as programming would be an advantage.
• Manual skills and rigorous attention to detail are essential in this work environment.
• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute's country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the date of the application deadline (31/03/2026).
• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at University of Kassel (Germany) and RMIT University (Australia) and based full-time at the ESRF (Grenoble, France), other than a 3-month secondment at Constellium (Voreppe, France). Additional visit(s) totalling no more than 3 months may be made to the RMIT University when needed. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the 3-year PhD project.

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What We Offer

• Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
• Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
• Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
• Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

Company Description
More details about the Nextstep Doctoral Programme on www.nextstep-

NEXTSTEP will train 36 enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of "Health", "Digital, Industry & Space", "Climate, Energy and Mobility" and "Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment", which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).