Doctoral research position (f/m/d)

In the Institute of Process Measurement and Sensor Technology at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for up to 2 positions as

Doctoral research position (f/m/d)

for advanced academic training to obtain research skills and academic competences according to Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz).

The group for Nanometrology at TU Ilmenau works in both fundamental and applied research on optical interferometry, with the goal of improving measurement capabilities in challenging application areas such as nanopositioning or fiber optic sensing.

An emerging field in our group is fiber optic shape sensing, i.e. the determination of the geometrical path that an optical sensing fiber takes from within the fiber itself. This enables direct shape and deformation monitoring of any structure where the fiber is embedded, even without an external observer such as a camera. This new approach has many promising applications in areas as diverse as robotics, medicine, aerospace and precision engineering.

Up to two three-year fully-funded doctoral reseach positions on fiber optic shape sensing are offered within the group:

• Drone-based shape sensing to improve structural health monitoring for large engineering structures, for example wind turbine blades
• Multiple Degree-of-Freedom shape sensing to achieve nanometer-level motion control in robotics and precision engineeering

Your tasks

The position includes the following responsibilities:

• Fundamental research in fiber optic sensing
• Mechanical modelling of fiber sensor structures
• Instrument construction: mechanics, optics and electronics
• Metrological validation and determination of the measurement uncertainty
• Liasing with project partners and presentation and publication of results to an international audience

Your profile

For being part of the selection process is needed:

• an excellent Master-level degree in mechanical engineering or a related area such as electrical engineering, materials science or physics

Following competences are desirable:

• excellent English, scientific as well as hands-on s
• team spirit and willingness to cooperate in an interdisciplinary and International team
• strong motivation as evidenced by a convincing motivation letter

Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.

In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of part-time work, will be examined on the basis of the needs of the service.

What we offer you:

• attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment
• vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December
• flexible working time model
• VBL - pension scheme in the public sector

From individual advancement with a wide range of continuing education opportunities to a variety of health and recreational offerings, you can expect an appreciative working environment at a renowned university at TU Ilmenau. In addition to an attractive, family friendly working hour’s model, you will also benefit from advantages such as the use of the dining halls of the Studiendenwerk Thüringen, as well as participation in several attractive sport offers from the university owned sport centrum.

The university stands in the fields of technology, mathematics and natural sciences, business and media for teaching and research at the highest level. It attaches particular importance to innovativ teaching and interdisciplinary. It identifies with Humboldt's ideals and pursues the vision of a cosmopolitan campus family. 

Technische Universität llmenau is holder of the „TOTAL E-Quality“distinction and emphasizes gendered quality.

Severely disabled applicants with essentially identical professional suitability will be preferentially selected.

Technische Universität Ilmenau offers flexible working time models.

ID Number: 77/2024
application deadline: 23.06.2024

For further information please contact Jun.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Kissinger, Phone +49 3677 69 2823.