Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.
Institute of Material and Process Design
The Institute of Material and Process Design is dedicated to the sustainable and ecological development of innovative materials and manufacturing processes, especially for the transportation sector and medical technology. To this end, materials are tailored and manufacturing processes are designed to conserve resources – from the modeling of material behavior to the development of the material to the finished component.
PhD in the Area of Dissimilar Laser Beam Welding and Time-Resolved Phase Transformation Analysis
Reference code: 937 – 2025/WD 2
Work location: Geesthacht
Application deadline: January 14th, 2026
The Institute of Material and Process Design at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon GmbH invites applications for a doctoral candidate in the field of dissimilar laser beam welding with a strong focus on time-resolved phase transformation investigation using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction.
Within an international research team, you will work on a highly innovative scientific topic aimed at understanding the physical mechanisms governing laser welding of dissimilar metallic materials. Your research will combine advanced laser processing, in-depth materials characterization, and in-situ synchrotron diffraction methods to reveal phase transformations, residual stress evolution, and microstructure development during laser welding. In addition, you will support the development of multi-scale modelling approaches to correlate thermal-mechanical behaviour with experimentally observed transformation kinetics.
A central part of your work will involve time-resolved high-energy X‑ray diffraction experiments at synchrotron facilities, enabling in-situ tracking of microstructural evolution during welding at millisecond time scales. You will work closely with experimental and simulation specialists to integrate these observations into improved process understanding and predictive modelling strategies.
The position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD) within the framework of the research project and provides exposure to an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment.
Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. The position is initially for two years.
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