Job opportunities

Doctoral  Researcher Position

Strengthening and chemical stabilization of glass by tuning process parameters

The Institute of Glass and Ceramics of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering – FAU is looking for a Research Assistant (m/f/d) (E13 TV-L). The opportunity to pursue a PhD is encouraged. The Faculty of Technology at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg awards a doctorate in engineering. The dissertation can be either a monograph or a cumulative work. The position is for 3 years.

 Outline

In close cooperation with an industrial company, your research project aims to demonstrate how glass objects with improved mechanical properties and water resistance can be obtained by tuning process parameters.

You will characterize new glass compositions with improved glass ability. Using the memory ability of glass you will determine the effective process cooling conditions, which will allow you then to adjust them. You will establish the link between production conditions and the performance of the final product with respect to mechanical stress and exposure to water.

Methodology

You will prepare glasses using the traditional melt-quench method.

The original spectroscopic methods developed at the institute make use of Raman and Brillouin spectroscopies, coupled with calorimetry. You will perform dissolution experiments using ICP-OES and microprobe methods. Characterization of the glass will include conventional thermal analysis and determination of the physical properties as well as extensive direct observations by optical and electronic microscopy.

Expected work

You will develop your own experimental protocols. Regular reporting will be required, which has proven to be a great help in writing your doctoral thesis. You will spend extended periods with the industrial partner, which will enable you to acquire a good knowledge of the process and the industrial environment in general. You will have the possibility to supervise master or undergraduate project students.

Qualifications of the candidate

Master’s degree in a discipline focusing on in a fundamental or applied context: materials science, solid-state physics and chemistry, mineralogy… Previous knowledge of glass will be appreciated.

Your profile

You have completed your master’s degree (MSc) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Geosciences, or any field related to the physics and chemistry of solids. Highly motivated, you are interested in joining an interdisciplinary research area.

Creative and independent, you are willing to develop your own research in autonomy. Since you will evolve in an international environment, excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken are needed.

Application

Applications in English should include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts and Master/Diploma certificates, a letter of recommendation, and, if necessary, a letter detailing any other pertinent information, such as prolonged delays in study or significant extracurricular activities.

Applications should be electronically sent to Prof. Dr. Dominique de Ligny (dominique.de.ligny@fau.de). The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled

Note

Friedrich Alexander University promotes professional equality for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Severely disabled persons within the meaning of the Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal professional qualifications and personal suitability if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons.

At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunity Officer may be called in for the interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.