Materiaalkundig Ingenieur vacatures in Groningen

PhD Digital Twin Frameworks for sustainable manufacturing of multi-material products

PhD

PhD Digital Twin Frameworks for sustainable manufacturing of multi-material products

A PhD position is available in the Advanced Production Engineering (APE) research group at the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG), Faculty of Science and Engineering.

In the application of materials, there are distinct worlds plastic and metal. Metal is strong, conductive and wear resistant. On the other hand is plastic is able to create complex shapes. The combination is challenging from the perspective of recyclability, adhesion and expansion coefficient, which creates stresses.

We are seeking a motivated PhD Researcher to work on new methods for applying circular and multi-material systems in modern manufacturing. The work focuses on plastics and metals for hybrid design and analysis studies. The project develops an integrated digital framework in the context of multi-materials in which materials research and physical testing form the validated foundation, enabling Digital Twins and AI-based decision support for design and process choices. This full-time position offers access to advanced laboratories, simulation environments, and a multidisciplinary research setting.

https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-digital-twin-frameworks-for-sustainable-manufacturing-of-multi-material-products-2193/?langlang=en

What are you going to do?

As a PhD student, you will contribute to the development and validation of an integrated approach for multi-material and multi-step simulations using advanced digital engineering tools. Your work will span circular materials research (plastics and metals), the creation of high-quality material models, the development of Digital Twins, and the use of AI-based methods. This includes building model-ready databases, developing simulation chains that link process simulations with analysis, making workflows for validation, and contributing to developing AI-driven tools that integrate performance evaluations, processing windows, and circularity-related data.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Apply no later than: 25 August 2026 23:59 Dutch local time

€3.059 - €3.881

Who are you?

For this position, we are looking for someone who has:

• 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.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• A temporary appointment of 1.0 FTE for one year, with the possibility of extension of three years.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world.

For more information about the APE group please use the following link: www.rug.nl/research/ape

Questions about your application process?

You may contact Friso Salverda, Human Resources Adviser,

Application procedure