PhD Student in Materials Science

Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI); Villigen; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Interdisciplinary collaboration

On-site infrastructure

Job summary

Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen PSI invites applications for a PhD Student to investigate the texture of additively manufactured AM lightweight alloys using wavelength-resolved neutron imaging and to relate it to their mechanical properties.

You will develop and apply a texture tomography inverse problem to reconstruct crystallographic texture, conduct neutron imaging and diffraction experiments, and validate results with microscopy and mechanical testing, publishing findings at

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field with strong experimental focus.
• Interest in experimental work, good communication skills and motivation.
• Excellent command of English is required.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python) and interest in data analysis or inverse problems are assets.
• Experience with metal additive manufacturing is an asset.
• Experience with neutron or X-ray diffraction and imaging techniques is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Investigate texture of additively manufactured AM lightweight alloys using wavelength-resolved neutron imaging and relate it to mechanical properties.
• Develop and apply a texture tomography inverse problem to reconstruct crystallographic texture of AM components.
• Conduct neutron imaging and diffraction experiments on AM specimens.
• Validate results with electron microscopy and mechanical testing.
• Publish results in scientific journals and present findings at international conferences.

Skills

Python

Communication skills

English proficiency

Data analysis

Numerical methods

Inverse problems

Neutron/X-ray techniques

Education

Master's degree in materials science or related field

Tools

Python

Neutron imaging

X-ray diffraction

Job description

Your tasks

• Investigate the texture of additively manufactured AM lightweight alloys using wavelength-resolved neutron imaging and relate it to their mechanical properties
• Develop and apply a texture tomography inverse problem to reconstruct the crystallographic texture of AM components
• Conduct neutron imaging and diffraction experiments on AM specimens
• Validate your results with electron microscopy and mechanical testing
• Publish results in scientific journals and present findings at international conferences

Your profile

• Master-s degree in materials science, materials physics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics or a related field
• You are interested in experimental work, highly motivated and have excellent communication skills
• Excellent command of English is required
• Programming skills (e.g. Python) and an interest in numerical methods, data analysis or inverse problems are an asset
• Experience with metal additive manufacturing is an asset
• Experience with neutron or X-ray diffraction and imaging techniques is an asset

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

Position: PhD Student (index no. 3304-30366)

Application Deadline: 5 November 2026

Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland