PhD Position in Mechanistic Study of Biodegradation of Additively Manufactured Mg and Zn Alloys under Mechanical Load (Print4Life DC11) Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany

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.