Are you interested in developing models describing the degradation and failure of components, and at the same time working with real data and military systems from e.g. the Royal Netherlands Navy ? And are you interested in collaborating with a range of industrial partners and several universities and research institutes to develop methods and algorithms to achieve Predictive Maintenance? The joint research program of the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA) and the Dynamics based Maintenance group, Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente, The Netherlands has several openings for postdoc candidates within the research area of Modeling Degradation and Failures for Predictive Maintenance.
The Challenge
To increase the availability and reliability of critical systems, while at the same time reducing maintenance costs, data from sensors and inspections is used more and more to better detect or even predict failures. Instead of depending fully on data, our vision is that knowledge of the underlying physical (degradation) mechanisms strongly improves the predictions. The aim of the current research program is therefore to develop novel methods and models describing the degradation and failure of critical components. These models will then be used to improve the (automatic) detection, diagnosis and prediction of failures, and to model the system reliability. Developed methods are applied in the military field (ships, vehicles, helicopters), as well as in industries in the maritime (ship, wind turbines), energy, process and manufacturing sectors. Typical systems for which degradation models should be developed are sustainable propulsion systems like fuel cells and internal combustion engines fueled by ammonia, standard equipment types like pumps and chillers, electronic systems like radars, but also corrosion protection coatings on maritime structures. Collaboration in both national and European projects with the ministry of defence, its industrial partners and several universities and research institutes allows the researchers to work with real data from both civil and military advanced systems.
YOUR PROFILE
The successful applicant has a PhD degree and background in material science, applied physics, mechanical / aerospace / maritime engineering, or similar areas. As the projects are multidisciplinary, candidates are expected to be open for / have affinity with especially data science, but also with other domains than their own background. Good spoken and written English and the ability to work in a team and coach PhD students are mandatory. As the work is defence-related, a security screening will be part of the selection process, and candidates must originate from a EU or NATO country. .
OUR OFFER
The work in these projects will take place either at the Knowledge Centre Smart Maintenance of the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA), located in Den Helder, or at the Dynamics based Maintenance group at the University of Twente. The NLDA offers an innovative and inspiring working environment, with direct access to a range of highly technological systems. The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus. We offer:
- A full time Postdoc position for two years.
- Interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance.
- Gross salary between € 3.557,- and € 4.670,- per month depending on experience and qualifications;
- Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.
- You can make use of excellent facilities for professional and personal development and a training program.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
You can apply for this position before May 10, 2023 by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include:
- CV (including contact information for at least two academic references)
- Motivation letter indicating your fit with this position and associated ambition.
For more information on this position, please contact Prof. Tiedo Tinga, t.tinga@utwente.nl
The first job interviews are planned on Friday 26 May, 2023.