Job Description

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 Material and Process Design

The 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.

PhD in the Area of Dissimilar Laser Beam Welding and Time-Resolved Phase Transformation Analysis

Reference code: 937 – 2025/WD 2
Work location: Geesthacht
Application deadline: January 14th, 2026

The Institute of Material and Process Design at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon GmbH invites applications for a doctoral candidate in the field of dissimilar laser beam welding with a strong focus on time-resolved phase transformation investigation using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction.

Within an international research team, you will work on a highly innovative scientific topic aimed at understanding the physical mechanisms governing laser welding of dissimilar metallic materials. Your research will combine advanced laser processing, in-depth materials characterization, and in-situ synchrotron diffraction methods to reveal phase transformations, residual stress evolution, and microstructure development during laser welding. In addition, you will support the development of multi-scale modelling approaches to correlate thermal-mechanical behaviour with experimentally observed transformation kinetics.

A central part of your work will involve time-resolved high-energy X‑ray diffraction experiments at synchrotron facilities, enabling in-situ tracking of microstructural evolution during welding at millisecond time scales. You will work closely with experimental and simulation specialists to integrate these observations into improved process understanding and predictive modelling strategies.

The position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD) within the framework of the research project and provides exposure to an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment.

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

• Design and development of experimental setups for dissimilar laser beam welding, including the preparation of test specimens with tailored geometries and metallurgical configurations.
• Execution of laser welding experiments using advanced high-power laser systems, including parameter optimization for joining dissimilar material combinations.
• Time-resolved high-energy X‑ray diffraction experiments at synchrotron facilities (e.g., DESY Hamburg) to investigate phase transformation, texture evolution, and strain development during welding. These measurements are a major component of the project and may occasionally require weekend work depending on beamline schedules.
• Post-weld microstructural and mechanical characterization (e.g., SEM, EBSD, hardness, tensile/​fatigue testing).
• Residual stress analysis (ex‑situ and in‑situ) and correlation of experimental data with numerical simulation results.
• Development of numerical and multi-scale simulation models to describe thermal cycles, phase transformations, and stress evolution, using commercial software such as ABAQUS or related tools.
• Collaboration and knowledge exchange with project partners in Germany, participation in project meetings, workshops, and international conferences.
• Preparation of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of research findings.

• Master's degree (university, TU) in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or related fields
• Programming experience (e.g., Python, C, C++)
• Experience in laser materials processing, welding of metallic materials, or materials engineering; knowledge in phase transformations, numerical methods, and finite element analysis is an advantage
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; proficiency in English (written and spoken) required, German language skills are beneficial
• Creativity, independence, and strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary team

For further information, please contact: Dr.‑lng. habil. Nikolai Kashaev ([email protected])

• 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) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• 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 of 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

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.

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