PhD Studentship: Develop Hydrogen-embrittlement-resistant IN625 Using Additive Manufacture

The University of Birmingham and the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) are offering a unique, internationally oriented 42-month PhD position in the field of additive manufacturing and hydrogen technology. In a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, you will work at two renowned research locations: 21 months at the internationally recognized University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) and 21 months at BAM in Berlin (Germany). This dual-location setup not only provides access to state-of-the-art technologies and top-tier research teams but also offers the opportunity to build valuable international networks and launch your career on a global scale.

Project Objective:

The project aims to develop an IN625 material that is significantly more resistant to hydrogen-induced cracking and embrittlement by precisely optimizing additive manufacturing parameters. By combining experimental investigations, advanced microstructural analyses, and numerical simulations, a novel manufacturing process will be established that enables the production of tailor-made, hydrogen-tolerant IN625 components.

Your Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct a systematic design-of-experiments to optimize Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) parameters.
• Perform detailed microstructural characterization of IN625 specimens using modern techniques (SEM, EBSD, TEM).
• Conduct mechanical tests under controlled hydrogen environments, such as slow strain rate tests (SSRT) and permeation experiments.
• Develop and validate a numerical model for simulating hydrogen diffusion as a function of the additively manufactured microstructure.
• Collaborate closely with the research teams at both institutions and actively participate in international workshops, publications, and conferences.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• A completed undergraduate degree (1st or 2.1 level), or a Master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of additive manufacturing (especially LPBF) and initial experience in microstructural analyses.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing procedures and, ideally, experience in numerical simulation (e.g., finite element methods).
• Strong analytical skills, an independent working style, and excellent teamwork and communication abilities.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of German is an advantage.

Funding notes:

In the first phase of the PhD position (months 1–21), you will work in the research group of Prof. Yu-Lung Chiu at the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham. This phase is supported by a tax-free scholarship at UKRI level which is of at least £20,780 per year from 1 October 2025. In the second phase (months 22–42), you will continue your work in the LoTempAM group of Department 9.6 "Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Components" at BAM in Germany, where the position is classified as E13 TVöD. The PhD scholarship also covers the full tuition fees.

How to apply:

To express interest please send a copy of CV to y.chiu@bham.ac.uk and Daniela.schob@bam.de. Interview of selected candidates will be in late April.

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