Postdoc in Application of Microstructural Engineering in Additive Manufacturing of Stainless Steels

DTU, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, the section for Manufacturing Engineering has a vacant postdoc position within the Villum Investigator project ‘Microstructural Engineering of Additive Manufactured Metals—MicroAM’.

The MicroAM project aims to develop (i) a laboratory-based X-ray microscope capable of mapping local residual stresses, (ii) a multi-scale AM process–microstructure–property–performance simulation platform, and (iii) a theoretical framework for design of AM-defect tolerant microstructures. The focus of the current postdoc position will be on applying all these achievements to the microstructural engineering of two AM steels: 316L and 17-4 PH, to show the potential in improving the toughness and fatigue resistance. The work will be based primarily on experimental work but indeed it will be guided by advanced AM simulations. The latter being the responsibility of other participants of the MicroAM project. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

For 316L, our microstructural engineering will focus on in-situ optimization of the local distribution of grain sizes, crystallographic orientations, and stresses by the novel possibility of varying the laser beam shape and spot size while printing. For AM 17-4 PH, we will use heat treatments (in-situ as well as ex-situ) to control the aging process, with the aim of developing a tailored microstructure with layered precipitation. Your primary tasks will be: 

• To print 316L and 17-4 PH stainless steel samples with optimized parameters
• To optimize the aging treatment of AM 17-4 PH stainless steel
• To perform non-destructive 3D and 4D characterizations of the microstructural evolution during straining and annealing
• To perform tensile and fatigue tests
• To link the printing parameters, the microstructural characteristics and the resulting mechanical properties 

You will work in close collaboration with a group of senior scientists, technicians as well as postdocs and PhD students. Also, the work will involve collaboration with selected external partners.

You must demonstrate a strong background within at least 3 of the following topics: 

• Metal additive manufacturing, especially laser powder bed fusion
• Microstructural characterization, such as XRD, SEM, EBSD and TEM
• Mechanical testing, such as tensile and fatigue tests
• Numerical modelling, such as crystal plasticity finite element modelling
• Physical Metallurgy, especially on steels 

Excellent English communication skills are also essential. 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

The period of employment is 2 years, starting from 1 October 2025 or according to mutual agreement.

Application procedure 

To apply, please read the full job advertisement by clicking the 'Apply' button

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