"3 PhD positions in the AI-Steel project"

Job Summary

This project focuses on developing models to extract information from legacy data for the sustainable design and development of new steel materials. It involves three PhD positions: one for knowledge extraction from legacy data, one for inverse design of new steel grades, and one for AI-guided experimental identification and validation.

Responsibilities

• For PhD1: Develop models to extract and acquire knowledge from legacy data (text and structured data) to predict characteristics of new steel grades; design agentic multi-modal models; create benchmarks and evaluation metrics; write a thesis based on published articles; collaborate with other PhDs and contribute to educational activities.
• For PhD2: Understand existing forward simulation models; develop methods for inverse design of new steel grades; integrate models from PhD1; contribute to educational activities.
• For PhD3: Plan and conduct experiments for materials production, characterization, and application; report progress and results; verify model predictions; contribute to educational activities.
• All positions: Develop modeling and experimental approaches in collaboration with partners; work towards the overall research goal.

Qualifications and Requirements

• For PhD1: MSc in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Computer Science; good engineering skills; affinity with AI; experience in NLP/IR and research is a plus.
• For PhD2: MSc in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields; affinity with ML and AI; experience with computational methods in physical sciences and research is a plus.
• For PhD3: Recent Master’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; practical experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• General for all: Good communication skills in English; initiative and time management skills; interest in collaboration; creative and critical approach; ability to meet deadlines; interest in sustainability and research; knowledge of computational chemistry and experience in analytical techniques is desirable.

What the Employer Offers

• A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for 4 years (initially 18 months, extendable after evaluation).
• Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881, based on experience.
• Additional benefits: 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end allowance, 232 holiday hours per year, pension contributions, parental leave, courses for professional development, and the possibility to learn Dutch.
• Opportunities for international meetings, teaching undergraduates and master students, and a favorable tax agreement for non-Dutch applicants.