Get A Job.ai ENISE – Post doctorat – Modélisation et optimisation de la sphéroïdisation de poudres métalliques par plasma RF

Responsibilities

Our client, a confidential French research institution, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop a coupled modeling, experimental, and optimization approach for metallic powder treatment by radiofrequency plasma.

You will focus on the spheroidization of AlSi10Mg powders using an RF inductive plasma torch (40 kW). The process transforms irregular particles into spherical particles suitable for metal additive manufacturing. The scientific challenge involves managing competing effects: increasing energy input improves fusion and spheroidization but simultaneously intensifies magnesium evaporation, nanoparticle formation, and particle coalescence in flight.

Your primary activities include:

• Developing physical models to predict particle behavior in plasma, covering fusion/spheroidization, preferential magnesium evaporation, and particle coalescence
• Coupling these three phenomena in a multi-objective optimization framework to maximize spheroidization while limiting Mg loss, nanoparticle formation, and particle size distribution broadening
• Implementing numerical modeling approaches and optimization strategies
• Conducting and analyzing experimental validation using SEM, laser diffraction, apparent density measurement, and ICP-AES characterization
• Using design of experiments methodology to calibrate and validate models
• Working at the intersection of RF plasma physics, heat transfer, powder metallurgy, modeling, experimentation, and additive manufacturing

What We're Looking For

Required:

• PhD (Doctorate) in process engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, metallurgy, plasma physics, thermal and energy engineering, fluid mechanics, or closely related scientific domain
• Strong foundation in several of the following: heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, transport phenomena, materials science, metallurgy, physical modeling, numerical methods, statistics, and experimental design
• Deep understanding of phase change phenomena, heat transfer, mass transport, and kinetics
• Ability to transition from physical phenomenon description to exploitable mathematical models
• Autonomous, curious researcher capable of addressing complex physical problems, formulating hypotheses, developing models, comparing with experimental results, and iteratively improving based on findings

Appreciated but not required: Direct experience with thermal plasma or powder spheroidization

Location: St Etienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Employment type: Fixed-term postdoctoral contract

Schedule: 37.5 hours weekly, 48.5 days annual leave, possible 4.5-day work week arrangement, telework available under certain conditions

How We Work With You

Candidates apply through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team conducts initial screening to understand your background, research experience, and modeling capabilities. We then present qualified candidates to our client for their review. Please do not attempt to contact the client organization directly, as all communication must flow through our recruiting process to protect the confidentiality of this search.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process with our recruiting team.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.