PhD Position - Hydrogen corrosion assessment combining experimental and AI approaches
Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon GmbH - Geesthacht

Geesthacht (bei Hamburg)

Temporary

Full Time

Apply by: 2025-06-22

Published: 2025-05-22

Cutting-edge Research
for a Changing World

PhD Position 鈥� Hydrogen corrosion assessment combining experimental and AI approaches

Reference code: 50141225_2 鈥� 2025/MO 2
Commencement date: as soon as possible
Work location: Geesthacht (near Hamburg)
Application deadline: June 22^nd, 2025

Hydrogen economy promises a source of clean energy, but it requires addressing critical issues associated with the assessment of hydrogen before being end-used. An issue associated is hydrogen embrittlement (HE). HE can cause catastrophic failures, especially in HE susceptible steel structures. Thus, the candidate will develop reliable machine learning-based surrogate models to replace expensive phase field models to simulate failure because of HE. The activities will be complemented by own lab testing e.g., SSRT incl. electrochemical charging. This includes supporting and setting up new HE testing facilities. This is part of a third-party funded project.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to develop models integrating machine learning and domain-specific knowledge to predict failure arising from hydrogen embrittlement. You will carry out materials testing, computational model development, data processing, and code implementation in close cooperation with scientists. The position is limited to 3 years.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

Your tasks

The primary task of the project is to unravel the atomic-scale mechanisms that underlie the high strength and ductility of Mg-rare earth (RE) based alloys. This will be achieved through a combination of advanced microstructural characterization (EBSD, EDX, SAXS, TEM) and ex situ/in situ nanoindentation-based techniques (micro-tensile/compression). The insights gained from this investigation will be crucial for optimizing existing Mg-RE alloys and will lay the groundwork for the development of digital twins and new RE-free Mg alloy systems.

Your profile

Essential qualifications:

MSc degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, physics or similar
basic programming skills in one or more languages (Python, C/C++, or others)
experience in mechanical testing
profound knowledge of machine learning methods (e.g., neural networks, Gaussian processes, active learning)
interest in materials science (e.g., SCC)
excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)
high degree of motivation, creativity, and flexibility
ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team of scientists

Desirable qualifications:

experience in processing experimental data
experience with SCC
international research experience
willingness to learn German

We offer you

an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
a well-connected research campus (public transport bus) and best networking opportunities
individual opportunities for further training
social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
very good compatibility private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
PhD Buddy Program
family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. nursery close to the company
free assistance program for employees (EAP)
corporate benefits
a varied offer in the canteen on campus

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Institute of Surface Science
The Institute of Surface Science specializes in the development of corrosion protection concepts and functional coatings that meet the requirements of future applications from the fields of structural lightweight construction, energy research and medical technology. The experimental development is closely accompanied by modelling approaches and artificial intelligence methods.

Interested?
Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates etc.) indicating the reference number 2025/MO 2 until June 22^nd, 2025.

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

Max-Planck-Stra脽e 1
21502 Geesthacht

bewerbung@hereon.de

Job location

Additional actions

About the employer

Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft

Bonn

> 10000 employees

German + 1

Established 1995

2 Jobs

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