PhD position on Physics-Guided Digital Twin Development for Composition-Process-Structure-Property Modeling of Magnesium Alloys

Cutting-edge Research for a Changing WorldPhD position on Physics-Guided Digital Twin Development for Composition-Process-Structure-Property Modeling of Magnesium AlloysReference code: 1057 - 2026/WD 1 Commencement date: as soon as possible Work location: Geesthacht Application deadline: November 12th, 2026The Institute of Material and Process Design at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is offering a 4-year PhD position in the field of computational materials engineering, machine learning, and digital twins for advanced lightweight materials. The focus of the PhD project will be the development of a physics-guided digital twin framework for magnesium alloys by integrating experimental characterization, crystal plasticity, phase-field modeling, precipitation modeling, and machine learning approaches to establish quantitative composition-process-structure-property relationships. Building upon recently developed machine-learning approaches for structure-property prediction in extruded magnesium alloys, the project aims to advance toward a next-generation Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) framework capable of predicting microstructure evolution and resulting mechanical properties across previously unseen processing conditions and material states.The candidate will work closely with interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in magnesium alloy development, thermomechanical processing, crystal plasticity, phase-field modeling, machine learning, and advanced experimental characterization.The objective of the project is to bridge the gap between purely data-driven materials modeling and mechanistic microstructure simulations by combining crystal plasticity, dynamic recrystallization, precipitation kinetics, and machine learning into a unified digital-twin framework. The resulting methodologies shall enable accelerated alloy and process design by leveraging experimentally validated physics-guided surrogate models with improved extrapolation capabilities beyond the limits of conventional machine-learning approaches. This work directly contributes to the digital transformation of materials development and manufacturing technologies for future lightweight engineering applications.Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.Your tasksdevelopment of physics-guided machine-learning models for composition-process-structure-property relationships in magnesium alloyscombination of crystal plasticity, phase-field, precipitation, and machine-learning approaches into a unified digital twin frameworkimplementation of simulation and machine-learning workflows in Python (e.g. PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, etc.)incorporation of experimental microstructure and texture characterization data obtained from optical microscopy, SEM, EBSD, XRD, and mechanical testinginvestigation of uncertainty quantification and explainable artificial intelligence methods (XAI) for materials modelingvalidation of computational predictions in collaboration with experimental and modeling researcherspublication and presentation of scientific results in leading international journals, conferences, and workshopsactive contribution to the establishment of next-generation ICME and digital-twin methodologies for sustainable lightweight materials designYour profilemaster’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, computational engineering, physics, applied mathematics, data science, or a related disciplinestrong interest in computational materials science, digital twins, and machine learninggood programming skills in Pythonexperience with machine-learning methods and common scientific Python libraries is desirableknowledge of computational mechanics, finite element methods, crystal plasticity, phase-field modeling, or thermodynamic simulations is advantageousexperience in analysis of experimental materials-science data is beneficialability to work independently as well as within an interdisciplinary research teamstrong analytical and problem-solving skillshighly proficient in spoken and written Englishmotivation to conduct high-quality research at the interface of materials science, mechanical engineering, and artificial intelligenceWe offer youan exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nationsan International Welcome Office with guest accommodation6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Daysocial benefits under the collective agreement for the German public sector and remuneration up to pay grade 13 (EntgO Bund)very good work-life balance; options for mobile and flexible workinga well-connected research campus, good networking opportunities, a subsidized Deutschlandticket (job ticket) subject to certain conditions, and charging facilities for electric vehiclesindividual opportunities for training and developmentan excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipmentPhD Buddy Programa family-friendly working environment with childcare options, e.g. a daycare center close to the workplaceworkplace health promotion programmes, e.g. an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)corporate benefitsa varied offer in the canteen on campusHelmholtz-Zentrum HereonThe 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 Material and Process DesignThe Institute of Material and Process Design is dedicated to the sustainable and ecological development of innovative materials and manufacturing processes, especially for the transportation sector and medical technology. To this end, materials are tailored and manufacturing processes are designed to conserve resources – from the modeling of material behavior to the development of the material to the finished component.Interested?Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates, etc.) until November 12th, 2026.Apply nowSeverely 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-Straße 1 21502 Geesthachtwww.hereon.de