Project Assistant / PhD position (m/f/x) in the field of developing graded titanium alloys

Graz University of Technology is the longest-established university of technology in Austria. Here, successful teams of students, talented up-and-coming scientists, ambitious researchers, and a lively start-up scene enjoy an inspirational environment and access to top-quality equipment. The Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming (IMAT) belongs to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Economic Sciences. It concentrates on the development of high-performance materials and the optimization of their processing. Fundamental and applied research is carried out in close cooperation with a large number of partners from both academia and industry all over the world. IMAT is known for its expertise in materials science, with many years of experience in materials development, production (joining, forming, additive manufacturing), modeling, and simulation.

The project VAMOS-Ti, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) in cooperation with Charles University in Prague, began in July 2026. It proposes in-situ alloying via the twin-wire plasma arc additive manufacturing (TW-PAAM) technique to produce components with a graded composition. Varying the content of beta-stabilizing elements allows control over the elastic modulus and strength through changes in the microstructure. The main goal is to investigate the metallurgical and thermomechanical behavior of in-situ graded Ti-X alloys, with special interest in the Nb alloying element, produced through the TW-PAAM process and followed by hot deformation

As a PhD student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary and international research team in the field of additive manufacturing, phase transformation kinetics, and mechanical behaviour of titanium alloys.

Your research activities comprise:

+ Optimization and development of gradient alloys by plasma welding technique.

+ Material characterization to determine variations in the microstructure-property relationship influenced by alloying element content.

+ Thermomechanical processing of heterogeneous materials.

+ Collaboration with international partners

+ Contribution to experiment planning and characterization

+ Writing papers and presenting your research at national and international conferences

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate with the following profile:

+ Master’s degree in a relevant subject (materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry or similar)

+ Good knowledge of materials science and engineering

+ Laboratory experience, especially in materials characterization

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (German not required)

+ Self-motivated, enthusiastic, creative and willing to learn

+ Strong teamwork skills and commitment

+ Scientific mindset, problem-solving attitude

We offer a project assistant position available for three years, starting in November 2026. Salary according to the FWF: 30h/week. Activities carried out in a meaningful, inspiring, and international environment with teamwork and excellent research opportunities.

Are you interested in this position?

Application documents should be submitted as a single PDF file and include:

a) A cover letter explaining why you would like to join us and outlining your research interests.

b) A Curriculum Vitae including contact information, education, professional experience, technical skills, and a publication list (if applicable).

c) Contact details for at least two references (references must be dated within the last year).