PhD Vacancy (DC11_microwireEDM): Hybrid modelling of micro-wire EDM for deterministic micromanufacturing of medical micro-surgical instruments University of Pisa in Italy

Università di Pisa is offering a fully funded PhD vacancy within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network project MicroMan4Health: Data-Centric Micromanufacturing Platform Towards Added Value in the Health Sector. The position, titled Hybrid modelling of micro-wire EDM for deterministic micromanufacturing of medical micro-surgical instruments, is hosted by the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering and linked to the broader Smart Industry PhD pathway at the University of Pisa.

The research focuses on improving the determinism, reliability and predictive capability of micro-wire electrical discharge machining (micro-wire EDM) for medical micro-surgical instruments and other miniature metallic components for minimally invasive devices. The project addresses a highly relevant manufacturing challenge: producing sub-100 µm features with stable surface integrity, dimensional accuracy and medically compliant quality. Because micro-wire EDM is governed by stochastic discharge phenomena and is still often described by empirical models, the project aims to combine physics-based process understanding with data-driven modelling, in-line monitoring and metrology data to build a hybrid modelling framework.

The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary topic that combines industrial engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering and microengineering. Key research activities include coupling discharge physics with surrogate and reduced-order models, analysing wire wear and thermal effects, developing process–product data management architectures, and creating real–virtual testing environments with digital-twin concepts. The project also investigates advanced wire materials, coated wires, dielectric fluids and monitoring strategies to improve cutting stability, surface quality, repeatability and sustainability.

The environment at UniPi is strong in advanced manufacturing and smart manufacturing systems, with access to manufacturing and characterisation infrastructure such as EDM, SEM, metallographic preparation and surface metrology. The doctoral candidate will benefit from structured training, access to advanced laboratories, and strong links between academic and industrial partners in the MicroMan4Health network. Three secondments are planned: MMIMicro for industrial validation and tolerance definition for micro-surgical assemblies, KU Leuven for benchmarking hybrid modelling approaches, and Politecnico di Milano for advanced simulation and CAM expertise in micro-milling.

This is a 36-month temporary, full-time funded doctoral position under MSCA Doctoral Networks rules. The remuneration is based on the grant agreement and includes a living allowance of approximately €4,000 per month, a mobility allowance of €710 per month, and an additional family allowance where applicable, subject to eligibility. The total gross cost over the project period is stated to be approximately EUR 163,000. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must have, or be close to completing, a relevant Master’s degree with strong academic results. The mobility rule of the MSCA programme applies, meaning candidates must not have spent more than 12 months in Italy during the 36 months before recruitment.

Applicants should have a strong interest in precision and micro-manufacturing, numerical and physics-based modelling, machine learning or digital twins, experimental work, process monitoring, and scientific communication. Excellent English is required. Applications are made by completing the online questionnaire and submitting a single PDF dossier containing a motivation letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts and, if applicable, a publication list with DOIs.

Deadline for application: 26 November 2026 at 23:59 Europe/Rome.