[JOBS] PhD position "ML-based Modelling of Stainless Steel" at the University of Groningen, NL - deadline Sept 15, 2025

[K. Bunte]

Fully funded PhD position in ML-based implementation of constitutive behaviour of Stainless Steel (1.0 FTE)
https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/job-opportunities/?details=00347-02S000BEXP

Closing date = 15-09-2025

We offer a  full time PhD position for the machine learning based implementation of constitutive behaviour of Stainless steel within the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. This is a great opportunity to work on sustainable materials, simulation modeling, and advanced machine learning methods with real industrial relevance (green steel, metal forming, and more). The position will be embedded in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) within the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) in collaboration with the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Metal forming is a widely used method to form steel products efficiently in mass manufacturing. As steel is highly recyclable its usage helps in creating a more sustainable world. For simulations of industrial processes concerning such complex materials one must typically rely on continuum models combined with the finite element method. This PhD project will develop model- and data-driven hybrid machine learning material models that capture the complex, nonlinear, path- and history-dependent behaviour of materials. The goal is to create material models based on advanced ML methods, and to seamlessly integrate these models into Finite Element Modelling (FEM) to replace expensive and time-consuming experimental procedures, thereby enhancing both time and cost efficiency in production pipelines.

Candidates with the following skills will be given preference:
   - a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, computer science, applied mathematics or a related field
   - a strong background in machine learning, material modeling, and metals processing, modeling and simulation (clear advantage for this position)
   - a keen interest in academic research
   - experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and simulation software
   - a dynamic, creative and pioneering professional attitude with a willingness to work in a strongly interdisciplinary team and learn the cross-disciplinary foundations
   - and strong communication skills (fluent in English, both oral and written).

Supervisors: Prof. Jan Post and Prof. Kerstin Bunte
Deadline: 15 September 2025
Start Date: 1 Jan 2026
✅ Fully funded (4 years) under Dutch university agreement
✅ Gross salary: €2,901 (Yr 1) → €3,707 (Yr 4)
✅ Focus: Hybrid ML + FEM modelling for advanced stainless steel materials
✅ Strong interdisciplinary team: Engineering, Materials Science, AI, and ML
✅ Involvement with APE & Intelligent Systems groups
✅ International students welcome (English proficiency required)
💡 This is a great opportunity to work on sustainable materials, simulation modeling, and advanced ML with real industrial relevance (green steel, metal forming, and more).

More information can be found at: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/job-opportunities/?details=00347-02S000BEXP
   
About the University of Groningen
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 34,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.