Postdoctoral Researcher In Metallurgy

Tasks The position is framed within the project Circular Steel for Mass Market Applications (CiSMA), ref., a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action coordinated by Eurecat Foundation.
CiSMA investigates how residual and trace elements introduced by scrap-based (EAF) steelmaking affect the microstructure and performance of high-end sheet steels.
Within ALBA, the Methodology Group participates in the microstructure, segregation and precipitation analysis of the steel samples under study.
The selected person will also contribute to the other research activities of the group in the field of metallic materials, within industrially oriented projects and collaborations.
These include, among others, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction during mechanical testing to follow phase transformations in advanced high strength steels, and the study of hydrogen effects on their microstructure and formability.
The selected person will report to the Head of the Methodology Group and will work in close synergy with the Interface X-ray/TEM group, beamline scientists, the Joint Electron Microscopy Center at ALBA (JEMCA), the Industrial Liaison Office, and with the project partners, including steelmakers and end users.
The role covers the full experimental chain — sample preparation, data acquisition and data analysis — and places particular emphasis on the metallurgical interpretation of the results, supported by modern data-analysis and scientific software practices.
Specifically, the responsibilities will include: Preparing and conditioning steel samples for advanced characterisation, including metallographic preparation, cross-sectioning and surface preparation adapted to each technique, and contributing to the development of preparation protocols that do not mask the microstructural and segregation features under study.
Planning and carrying out data-acquisition campaigns at ALBA beamlines and at the electron microscopy facilities (JEMCA), using techniques such as synchrotron XRD, XAS, 4D-STEM, EDX, EELS, NBED, as well as in-situ experiments, and, where appropriate, at other research infrastructures.
Analysing and interpreting the resulting data to characterise phases, microstructure, precipitates, local chemical composition and segregation, and their evolution under processing, deformation and hydrogen charging conditions, correlating the results across techniques and length scales.
Developing and applying data-analysis methods and scientific software (in Python or equivalent) for the reduction, processing and quantitative analysis of these datasets, including the automation of the analysis so that large numbers of samples and measurements can be treated consistently.
Correlating the experimental results with the alloy design, processing parameters and mechanical performance data provided by the project partners, and with modelling or simulation results where relevant, to support the scientific objectives of the project.
Disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions, project deliverables and reports, and contributing to the scientific activity of the Methodology Group.
Collaborating with the main stakeholders involved — project partners, beamline and external scientists, and industrial users — and providing scientific and technical guidance on the use of synchrotron/electron microscopy facilities and microstructural techniques for metallic materials analysis.
Any other task or duty of a similar nature, consistent with the job category and with the responsibilities, professional level and functional scope of the position, that may reasonably be assigned by Management whenever necessary to ensure its proper functioning.
The role involves experimental work at beamlines and in sample-preparation and microscopy laboratories, which may include handling laboratory equipment and chemicals and participating in measurement campaigns outside regular working hours.
Requirements The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the Selection Board to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV.
Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted: Doctorate (PhD) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a related field.
At least 2 years of demonstrable research experience in the characterisation of metallic materials, including the analysis and interpretation of experimental microstructural data.