PhD Researcher in Natural Fibre Processing (Manufacturing, Remote)

Job summary

This PhD position focuses on the development and modeling of a novel over-moulding process for natural fiber materials, aiming to enhance sustainable production technologies in advanced manufacturing. The role involves a combination of experimental work, material characterization, and digital manufacturing research, with collaboration opportunities across Europe.

Qualifications

• A two-year MSc degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, polymer engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in materials processing, polymer/composite materials, or manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with experimental laboratory work and data analysis.
• Interest in numerical simulation and/or process modeling.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, international environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct laboratory-scale over-moulding experiments with natural fiber materials.
• Characterize fiber distribution, adhesion, mechanical properties, and barrier performance.
• Develop and integrate simulation models for material behavior and over-moulding flow.
• Implement in situ process monitoring and analyze real-time sensor data.
• Optimize processing parameters using modeling and data-driven approaches.
• Validate models through iterative comparison with experiments and uncertainty quantification.
• Contribute to the integration and demonstration of the developed process at industrial partners.

Tools

• Laboratory equipment for polymer processing and material characterization.
• Simulation software for modeling material behavior and process dynamics.
• Data analysis tools for real-time sensor data evaluation.