This PhD position at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany, is part of the EU-funded Print4Life Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, with the PhD degree awarded by Kiel University (CAU). The project focuses on the mechanistic study of biodegradation of additively manufactured magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) alloys under mechanical load, specifically investigating the mechano-corrosive properties of PBF-LB manufactured biodegradable alloys. The research addresses the combined effects of dynamic mechanical loading and corrosive environments on metallic devices used in medical implants, aiming to understand and mitigate premature implant failure due to stress corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, and tribo-corrosion. The objectives include optimizing experimental setups for simultaneous mechanical and corrosion testing, monitoring local pH and dissolved gases at the metal-electrolyte interface, and elucidating factors influencing the initiation and propagation of localized corrosion. The position offers advanced research training in additive manufacturing, biomaterials, and corrosion science, with planned research stays at Uppsala Universitet, Sweden, and Quintus Technologies AB, Sweden. Supervisors for the project are Dr. Sviatlana Lamaka (Hereon), Prof. Cecilia Persson (Uppsala University), and Prof. Mikhail Zheludkevich (Hereon). Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in materials science, biomedical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, engineering physics, or a related field, and meet the MSCA mobility and eligibility criteria. Good English communication skills are required, and experience in corrosion characterization, mechanical testing, local electrochemistry, surface characterization, or additive manufacturing of metals is advantageous. The position is fully funded for 36 months, with a gross salary of 3719.13 EUR/month (or 4233.93 EUR/month with family allowance if eligible), in accordance with MSCA regulations. The application deadline is December 31st, 2025, and the expected start date is March 1st, 2026. The Institute of Surface Science at Hereon specializes in corrosion protection and functional coatings for applications in lightweight construction, energy research, and medical technology, supported by modeling and AI approaches. Interested candidates should submit their application in English, including a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, thesis, publications, and references, indicating the reference code 2025/MO 3.

This PhD position is part of the EU-funded Print4Life Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, focusing on the mechanistic study of high corrosion susceptibility in additively manufactured biodegradable magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) alloys. The host institution is Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Geesthacht, Germany, with the PhD degree awarded by Kiel University (CAU). The Print4Life network brings together 8 host institutions and 6 partners across Europe, aiming to advance research in additive manufacturing of biomaterials and future tissue engineering. The successful candidate will join a cohort of 17 doctoral students, with three based at Hereon, and will benefit from research stays at Uppsala Universitet (Sweden) and Hydrumedical (Portugal). The project centers on unraveling the origins of elevated corrosion rates in powder bed fusion laser beam (PBF-LB) manufactured Mg and Zn alloys, which are critical for biomedical applications due to their biodegradability. The research will employ advanced micro- and nanoscopic visualization techniques, including in situ SEM and TEM, EBSD, X-ray micro- and nano-tomography at DESY, and Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKPFM), to study micro-galvanic activity and degradation performance. Collaboration with Uppsala Universitet will enable the production and comparative study of various alloy compositions, while in vitro testing at Hydrumedical will assess the best-performing materials. The objectives are to identify the driving forces behind micro-galvanic corrosion, propose mitigation strategies, and experimentally validate the most promising approaches. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field (materials science, biomedical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, engineering physics, or related), strong English skills, and ideally experience in electron microscopy, corrosion characterization, or additive manufacturing. The position is fully funded for 36 months under the Marie Curie regulations, with a competitive salary and allowances. The application deadline is December 31st, 2025, and the expected start date is March 1st, 2026. The Hereon Institute of Surface Science provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment specializing in corrosion protection and functional coatings, with close integration of experimental and modeling approaches. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates to contribute to cutting-edge research in materials science and biomaterials within a prestigious European network.