PhD Researcher MC7.04202

The number of holes one can drill with a single tool has been increased by an order of magnitude over the last ten years by the application of wear resistant coatings. These coatings are able to withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees centigrade, occurring during dry machining. In a perpetual quest for improvement of number of holes, as well as for an improvement in the surface quality of the work piece, the radius of curvature of the cutting edge of the tool is reduced further and further. On high-end tools this radius is now of the same order as the thickness of the coating.

The ultimate objective is to develop a coating deposition process that will not reduce the sharpness of these high-end tools.

The PhD Researcher will investigate reactive sputter deposition of TiAlN coatings on knife-edges in order to find process conditions that will keep the radius of curvature of the cutting edge unchanged. The electric field around sharp edges is presumed to have a strong influence on the bombardment of the knife-edge by energetic ions from the plasma. The depositions will be done in an industrial sputter deposition apparatus. In order to find an optimized process the candidate will perform depositions him/herself, analyze the samples by optical microscopy, SEM, and X-ray diffraction. TEM will also be used, but not operated by the candidate.

The PhD Researcher will have the unique opportunity to work in close cooperation with Hauzer, which is one of our industrial partners.

University Graduate
The PhD candidate should have:
• A Masters Degree (M.Sc.) in the area of Material Science or Applied Physics
• Interest in experimental research, sputter deposition, and hard coatings
• Good communication skills in English (both oral and written)
The candidate will be working at Delft University of Technology in Delft. He/she will obtain a doctorate degree awarded by Delft University of Technology.

All applicants are asked to submit a cv, a Master's grade list and a statement of purpose.

Please note that the deadline to apply for this vacancy is 27 November 2006.

Additional information about the job:
When fulfilling a PhD position at the NIMR, you will be given the status of PhD Researcher. You will have employee status and will be eligible for all the employee benefits offered by the NIMR. The contract is for 4 years. Gross salary for the first year is EUR 2,086 gross per month. This amount increases to EUR 2,408 gross per month in the fourth year. Your thesis should be completed at the end of your four year term with the NIMR. A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision you specifically need.

Netherlands Institute for Metals Research NIMR

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 40

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

You can apply for this job before 27-11-2006 by sending your application to:

Only applicants who submitted their cv, statement of purpose and their Master's grading list will be taken into consideration.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT/MC7.04202.