Position Overview

The School of Engineering at the University of Galway, in collaboration with the I-Form Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in computational model-informed design for material recycling in additive manufacturing. This project offers an exciting opportunity to develop advanced computational tools and contribute to sustainable manufacturing solutions using innovative additive manufacturing technologies.

The successful candidate will focus on computational modelling, machine learning, and experimental validation, with the goal of optimizing recycling processes for titanium alloys in powder bed fusion laser beam (PBF_LB) additive manufacturing.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • First-class or upper-second-class honours Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (e.g., Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science).
• Skills and Knowledge:
  • Proficiency in computational modelling for engineering or science problems.
  • Experience with programming languages such as C++ or Python.
  • Knowledge of material processing, manufacturing, and testing/characterization.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Communication:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Key Responsibilities

1. Computational Modelling:
   • Develop multi-physics, physically based computational models to predict the interaction between additive manufacturing processes and recycled Ti alloys.
2. Machine Learning Development:
   • Train machine learning models using simulation data to enable rapid, data-informed decision-making for material recycling processes.
3. Experimental Research:
   • Conduct material testing on 3D-printed titanium alloy specimens to validate computational and machine learning models.
4. Collaboration and Dissemination:
   • Collaborate with I-Form Centre research groups and engage in placement opportunities with co-supervisors at University College Dublin (UCD).
   • Present research findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

What We Offer

• Financial Support:
  • Tax-free stipend of €22,000 per annum.
  • Coverage of university fees up to €5,500 per annum.
• Research Environment:
  • Access to cutting-edge facilities at the I-Form Research Centre and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Placement opportunities at UCD’s laboratory with Prof. David Browne.
• Professional Development:
  • Training in advanced computational modelling, machine learning, and experimental methods.
  • Opportunities to present research at international conferences and collaborate with leading experts in advanced manufacturing.

Application Process

• Deadline: Submit applications by 24 January 2025, 17:00 Irish Time.
• How to Apply:
  • Email the following documents to Dr. Mingming Tong with the subject line “PhD Application in Computational Modelling for AM”:
    1. Cover letter detailing research interests and motivation.
    2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
    3. Statement of personal research interests.
    4. Contact details of two academic referees.