Postdoctoral Researcher in Metal Additive Manufacturing Process Control (ERC Project) University of Ljubljana in Slovenia

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join the ERC Starting Grant project 'Melting-Process-Condition Variations-Aware Control of the Laser-Powder Bed Fusion of Metals' (MeltingWell). This project, funded by the European Research Council, focuses on advancing the control of laser-powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M), a cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology used to produce complex, high-performance metal parts for applications such as medical implants and aerospace components. The research addresses the challenge of process condition variations in PBF-LB/M, which can lead to defects and quality inconsistencies in printed parts, hindering broader industrial adoption.

The project's goal is to develop and validate new control methods that account for all common sources of process condition variations, with a particular emphasis on dynamic adjustments of laser power during the manufacturing process. The postdoctoral researcher will primarily study the effects of rapid changes in laser power along the scan path on melting process conditions, using both finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Where possible, experimental validation of simulation findings will also be conducted.

The role includes implementing the discovered effects into a novel control system for PBF-LB/M. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in mechanical engineering, production technology, physics, or a related field, with strong experience in FEM and CFD multiphysics simulations (such as FLOW 3D AM), programming skills in Python and/or C/C++, and prior work in metal additive manufacturing or laser-metal machining. The position offers a full-time contract for two years, with a competitive salary (approx. 4,700 EUR/month before taxes plus bonuses), comprehensive social benefits, and opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences and publication in scientific journals.

The successful candidate will join the Laboratory for Mechatronics, Production Systems and Automation, working under the supervision of Assist. Prof. Dominik Kozjek, the project's principal investigator.

The research environment is supportive, international, and encourages independent idea development within the project's scope. The University of Ljubljana is located in Slovenia's capital, offering a high standard of living, beautiful natural surroundings, and a vibrant research community. Applicants should be creative, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about advanced manufacturing technologies, with strong communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

To apply, candidates should submit a short CV, academic transcripts, PhD certificate, list of publications/achievements, and a motivation video, all combined into a single PDF file, by email to [email protected] by 28 February 2026.