Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:

PhD Student (m/f) – Energy selective 3D tomography for applied raw materials research

A member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the HZDR employs about 1,100 people. The Center’s focus is on interdisciplinary research in the areas energy, health, and matter.

The Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) pursues the objective of developing innovative technologies for the economy so that mineral and metalliferous raw materials can be made available and used more efficiently and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

As part of the Institute, the Department of Analytics invites applications as PhD Student (m/f) – Energy selective 3D tomography for applied raw materials research.

ln collaboration with project partners at the Geology Department of Ghent University and industrial partners (3D imaging technology and geometallurgy) this PhD aims to deliver the ability to identify and quantify the concentration of chemical elements present in raw materials, e.g. the amount of metals in an ore or in a recyclable material using new 3D X-ray spectroscopic methods.

The position is to be filled, provided that the funds will be approved, on 15 February 2019 – or as soon as possible thereafter. The PhD student will be employed at HZDR and registered at Ghent University. The employment contract is limited to three years. The place of work is Freiberg, but you will be required to spend 1/3 of the time in Ghent University, 1/3 at Freiberg and the remaining time at industrial partners depending on the necessity for the research project.

Tasks:

design and optimization of 3D experimental methods for quantitative energy selective computed micro-tomography (E-CT)compare 3D results from E-CT with 2D SEM based automated mineralogical methods to create a database aiming at automated 3D identification and quantification of chemical elementsvalidate the new method as a quantitative tool for the raw materials industry (e.g. mining companies, recycling industry)present results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements:

Master degree (or equivalent) in physics, earth sciences or material sciences or (bio)engineering with very good marks as well as a passion for analytical methodsan independent and well-organized working style, demanding high quality of your own workwillingness to travel and spend more than 1 year of the PhD at partner institutions (Belgium and Finland)desire for a career in multidisciplinary applied research and developmentwell-developed social skills directed towards working in an interdisciplinary team, excellent interpersonal and communicative skillsstrong motivation to succeed in scientific research, excellent presentation and scientific writing skillsvery good to excellent verbal and written English skills (a proof of English language skills is always an added value)demonstrated computer and/or experimental skills are of advantageexperience with image analysis methods is of advantage

We offer:

high scientific professional networking as well as scientific excellenceinternationality and diversityinteresting and diverse tasks, flexible working hours, salary based on the collective agreement TVöD-Bundequality of opportunity and family-friendly structures, corporate health managementattractive work and research terms in a highly motivated team

For any questions, do not hesitate to ask:
Mr. Jose Ricardo da Assuncao Godinho Tel.: +49 351 260 4475,
Dr. Axel Renno Tel.: +49 351 260 3274

Place of work:
Freiberg

Working hours:
19,5 h/week

Deadline:
16 December 2018

Online application
English / German
Job-Id: 75/2018 (770)

The HZDR is committed to equal opportunity employment and we strongly encourage applications from qualified female candidates. We also carefully consider all applications from job candidates with severe disabilities.

Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf
Bautzner Landstraße 400
01328 Dresden

A member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the HZDR employs about 1,100 people. The Center’s focus is on interdisciplinary research in the areas energy, health, and matter.

The Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) pursues the objective of developing innovative technologies for the economy so that mineral and metalliferous raw materials can be made available and used more efficiently and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

As part of the Institute, the Department of Analytics invites applications as PhD Student (m/f) – Energy selective 3D tomography for applied raw materials research.

ln collaboration with project partners at the Geology Department of Ghent University and industrial partners (3D imaging technology and geometallurgy) this PhD aims to deliver the ability to identify and quantify the concentration of chemical elements present in raw materials, e.g. the amount of metals in an ore or in a recyclable material using new 3D X-ray spectroscopic methods.

The position is to be filled, provided that the funds will be approved, on 15 February 2019 – or as soon as possible thereafter. The PhD student will be employed at HZDR and registered at Ghent University. The employment contract is limited to three years. The place of work is Freiberg, but you will be required to spend 1/3 of the time in Ghent University, 1/3 at Freiberg and the remaining time at industrial partners depending on the necessity for the research project.

Tasks:

• design and optimization of 3D experimental methods for quantitative energy selective computed micro-tomography (E-CT)
• compare 3D results from E-CT with 2D SEM based automated mineralogical methods to create a database aiming at automated 3D identification and quantification of chemical elements
• validate the new method as a quantitative tool for the raw materials industry (e.g. mining companies, recycling industry)
• present results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements:

• Master degree (or equivalent) in physics, earth sciences or material sciences or (bio)engineering with very good marks as well as a passion for analytical methods
• an independent and well-organized working style, demanding high quality of your own work
• willingness to travel and spend more than 1 year of the PhD at partner institutions (Belgium and Finland)
• desire for a career in multidisciplinary applied research and development
• well-developed social skills directed towards working in an interdisciplinary team, excellent interpersonal and communicative skills
• strong motivation to succeed in scientific research, excellent presentation and scientific writing skills
• very good to excellent verbal and written English skills (a proof of English language skills is always an added value)
• demonstrated computer and/or experimental skills are of advantage
• experience with image analysis methods is of advantage

We offer:

• high scientific professional networking as well as scientific excellence
• internationality and diversity
• interesting and diverse tasks, flexible working hours, salary based on the collective agreement TVöD-Bund
• equality of opportunity and family-friendly structures, corporate health management
• attractive work and research terms in a highly motivated team

Kindly submit your completed application (two page CV including name and contact of 2 potential referees, certificates and motivation letter (max. 2000 characters) by 16 December 2018 only via Online application (English / German ).

Job Code: 44.18

Job Offer from October 25, 2018

PhD Positions at the Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials           

Quantum Materials
The term “quantum materials” is shorthand for a rapidly evolving research frontier that aims to understand, control, and ultimately design materials in which quantum physics enables novel functionalities. Recent developments include the discovery of novel phenomena resulting from the topology of the electron wave function in solids, the dynamical control of many-electron states (such as superconductivity) by coherent light fields, and the synthesis of heterostructures and devices comprising atomically sharp interfaces between different quantum materials. Six Max Planck Institutes in Germany (Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Halle, and Stuttgart) participating in the MP Graduate Center for Quantum Materials. All are world-leading institutions in their respective fields, and they operate highly attractive Ph.D. programs in cooperation with universities both in Germany and abroad.

Our offer
We offer our students a truly unique research environment with access to a large number of world-class research facilities, as well as a newly designed curriculum covering the frontiers of research on quantum materials.As a key new feature, the Center will introduce a set of high-level “Frontiers of Research” courses closely aligned with research at the Max Planck Institutes. Examples of “Frontiers of Research” in quantum materials are superconductivity, synthesis of quantum materials, quantum heterostructures, spin orbitronics, neuromorphic computing, or dynamical control. These courses will typically taught to small groups of students. In order to offset the geographical separation of the participating institutions, students from different locations will gather for courses at a central location. Beside these block course, students can benefit from a dedicated network of “immersive” video studios at all institutes involved in the Graduate Center. The “Frontiers in Research” series and other courses will be complemented by a number of courses which are offered at the participating MPIs and the associated International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS). We offer an English-language curriculum comprising lecture courses, a training program in complementary skills, and summer and winter schools with leading international partner institutions. This will provide you a unique opportunity to kick-start a successful scientific career. All accepted young researcher will receive financial support in the form of stipends or working contracts according to the German public sector.

Your profile
In order to maintain the leading role of the Max Planck Society in the field of quantum materials, we are looking for excellent students in relevant research fields such as physics, chemistry and material sciences. We are looking for highly motivated students who have a record of excellence in their previous studies. Applicants are expected to have an outstanding Bachelor or Master degree in a field of study which is well-aligned with our research activities. Candidates from any country can apply for admission to our Center. Gender balance is an important issue for us, and we particularly welcome applications from female candidates.

Your application

The application procedure for our program and the selection criteria are described on our website in detail. The highly competitive selection procedure is based on academic performance, recommendation letters, and on-site interviews for shortlisted candidates. Applications are welcome for the autumn term with start on September 1st , 2019. For more information about our Center, the participating MPIs, and the research topics please have a look at our website . Please submit your application before December 15, 2018 via our user-friendly web interface .

Contact
The management of the Center, i.e. its speaker (Prof. B. Keimer) and the coordination office, are centrally located in Stuttgart at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Heisenbergstr. 1, 70569 Stuttgart. In case of any questions don’t hesitate to contact us by email .