ESRF - PhD position studying steel microstructure dynamics with X-rays and machine learning

At a glance

Job title: PhD position studying steel microstructure dynamics with X-rays and machine learning
Ref.: INN01_2020
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Salary range: 30,5
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet: 24/01/2023
Contract duration: Time-limited contract

Context & Job description

This PhD project, Microstructure dynamics in advanced steels studied with high throughput X-ray diffraction associated to machine learning, is a collaborative work between ESRF, SIMAP laboratory of Univ. Grenoble Alps, and the industrial partner ArcelorMittal. The context of this work is to develop a high throughput experimental methodology to feed data-driven alloy design and industrial process control. You will join beamline ID31’s team at the ESRF. ID31 is a versatile instrument suited for fast high energy diffraction (HEXRD) measurements. The aim of the PhD project is to develop the methodology of high-throughput, time- and space-resolved in-situ HEXRD, aiming at monitoring in a combinatorial way the compositional dependence of the phase transformation dynamics in advanced steels. You will have to develop the fabrication of compositionally-graded steels from diffusion couples under controlled atmosphere, the implementation of time- and space-resolved fast diffraction experiments at the beamline (furnace adaptation and fast movement, data synchronisation), and the use of the very large sets of data obtained to feed physical models for phase transformations and/or machine learning approaches. Strategic scientific cases defined with the industrial partner include: ferrite-to-austenite transformation and cementite dissolution during heating, bainitic transformation in 3rd generation advanced high strength steels, and precipitation of carbides in bainitic and martensitic steels.

Further information may be obtained from Veijo Honkimäki (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 27 25, email: honkimak@esrf.fr) and from Alexis Deschamps (+33 (0)6 80 27 19 05, email: alexis.deschamps@grenoble-inp.fr).

Expected profile

Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in physics, materials science, chemistry or closely related science
A background in experimentation is desirable, and knowledge of phase transformations and/or X-ray diffraction is desired
Manual skills and rigorous attention to detail are essential in this work environment
The candidate will need programming skills or experience with data modelling for the data analysis
Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate level would be advantageous and can be provided in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof; Students without proof upper-intermediate level may still apply and their level of English will be checked during the interview).
Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the date of recruitment.
At the date of recruitment, early-stage researchers must be in the first four years of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree.
Candidates must satisfy eligibility criteria according to the partner university requirements for PhD enrolment.

More details about the application procedure on www.innovaxn.eu/for-students/documents/

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school of University of Grenoble Alps and based full-time at the ESRF and/or ILL (Grenoble, France), other than a 4-month secondment to ArcelorMittal (Maizières les Metz, France). Additional visits totaling no more than 3 months may be made to the SIMAP laboratory of University of Grenoble Alps when needed, as well as some visits to IJL laboratory in Nancy, France, when present at ArcelorMittal. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the 3-year PhD project.

More details on the InnovaXN programme on www.innovaxn.eu

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Company description

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 21 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.