PHD Digital Sustainable Manufacturing

PhD position to develop Digital Twin frameworks for sustainable manufacturing of multi-material products. The position is embedded in the Advanced Production Engineering (APE) research group at the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG), Faculty of Science and Engineering. The project focuses on plastics and metals for hybrid design and analysis, and aims to develop an integrated digital framework in which materials research and physical testing form the validated foundation for Digital Twins and AI-based decision support for design and process choices. The position offers access to advanced laboratories, simulation environments, and a multidisciplinary research setting.

• Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in materials, simulation, AI/ML, or manufacturing processes.
• Experience with plastics and metals.
• Independent, creative, and collaborative working style.
• Strong communication skills in English (oral and written).
• English proficiency: IELTS = 6.5 (academic) or TOEFL computer-based = 237 or TOEFL internet-based = 92.

• Contribute to the development and validation of an integrated approach for multi-material and multi-step simulations using advanced digital engineering tools.
• Conduct circular materials research on plastics and metals and create high-quality material models.
• Develop Digital Twins and AI-based methods for design and process decision support.
• Build model-ready databases and develop simulation chains that link process simulations with analysis.
• Design workflows for experimental and computational validation.
• Contribute to AI-driven tools that integrate performance evaluations, processing windows, and circularity-related data.

• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Temporary appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension of three years.

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology work on academic challenges and societal questions. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, and collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are central to the university's mission. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides education and research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. The faculty collaborates closely with partners from industry, the medical world, and society on urgent challenges such as energy, sustainability, digitalization, and medical technology. The community has an open and informal character, with more than 7.000 students, 1.000 PhD candidates, and 1.400 staff members from around the world.