Research Assistant (f/m/d) - Experimental Hybrid Additive Manufacturing and Microstructure Characterization | RWTH Aachen University | EN

Research Assistant (f/m/d) - Experimental Hybrid Additive Manufacturing and Microstructure Characterization

Application deadline: 01/12/2026

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Institution

Chair for Digital Additive Production

Our Profile

The Chair for Digital Additive Production (DAP) at RWTH Aachen University collaborates with industrial and scientific partners to investigate the fundamental interrelationships of digital and additive manufacturing, transferring these findings to industrial applications. Our research encompasses a wide range of topics, from component design and process development to production and the application properties of additively manufactured components. Additionally, we focus on accompanying processes such as design, quality management, and the digital representation of the entire process chain. Our service portfolio is further enhanced by individual consulting and training services. Through industry projects, we work closely with partners from various sectors—including automotive, aerospace, turbomachinery, life sciences, machinery, tool making, and mold making—to develop and shape the future of digital and additive manufacturing. Furthermore, DAP offers extensive professional and personal development opportunities within a highly motivated team.

Your Profile

• You hold a university degree (Master's or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, materials science, materials engineering, or a related field.

• You have a solid background in materials science and a strong interest in experimental research.

• You are highly motivated to work scientifically with the goal of earning a PhD.

• You work independently and carefully, and you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team.

• Very good English skills are required.

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is an advantage: materials characterization (e.g. metallography, electron microscopy), mechanical testing, laser-based or additive manufacturing processes, and data analysis (e.g. Python or MATLAB). You will receive training in any of these methods that are new to you.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

You will work in an ERC-funded project that combines laser-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) with laser heat treatment and deep rolling in one hybrid process. The goal is to develop novel methods that enable tailoring mechanical properties of metal components directly during manufacturing and repair.

For this, process development and materials research go hand in hand: you will develop novel process routes for nickel-based superalloys and investigate how the processing history changes the microstructure (SEM, EBSD, EDS, TEM). Building on processing and microstructural insights, you will establish the link to mechanical properties using hardness and tensile tests. Using thermal and optical process monitoring and residual stress measurements, you will generate datasets that fellow doctoral researchers combine with process and materials models into a digital twin of the hybrid process and its change in microstructure.

In close collaboration with the simulation team and international partners, you will establish how hybrid processing can deliberately shape metallic materials.

What

We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract. The position is to be filled by 4/1/2027 and offered for a fixed term of 1 year initially. An extension to a total of at least 3 years is planned. The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts). This is a full-time position with the possibility of a part-time contract upon request. The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position. The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L). The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting. All University employees also have access to the Corporate Benefits online platform, which offers discounts on a wide range of products and services from participating companies. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual. In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application. Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Number V000011619

Application deadline 01/12/2026

Mailing Address

RWTH Aachen University Lehrstuhl für Digitale Additive Produktion Dr. Markus Sudmanns Campus Boulevard 30 52074 Aachen

Email

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Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email. For data protection reasons, however, we recommend sending applications via mail.

Contact

Dr. Markus Sudmanns

Work Phone: +49 241 80-40615