[Closed] PhD scholarship in the field of Dimensional Metrology, Computerized Tomography and Additive Manufacturing

Project: Multi-scale data fusion Metrology for complex parts characterization (MultiMet)

Nowadays, there is a broad offer of metrological systems and devices for micro and macro-geometrical dimensional characterisation. Nevertheless, metrological systems intended for macro-geometries present limitations when the sample to be measured has a reduced size (smaller than 1 mm) or when the geometries are complex and not similar to standardised geometries. In these cases, traditional 3D measuring systems are not capable of achieving the required uncertainties. On the other hand, metrological systems intended for micro-geometries usually have a limited measuring range (smaller than 1 mm).

The main target of this project is to develop an integrated methodology for the macro and micro-geometrical characterization of samples having critical geometries (due to their size or shape) that allows leveraging the results for a complete dimensional measurement. For this purpose, it will be necessary to use the technology and knowledge that has been previously developed in the research group, in the fields of Computerized Tomography, high-range Microscopy and Additive Manufacturing. A second objective related to the first one is the development of a suitable methodology for the uncertainty assessment. A key element of this methodology is the fusion of data coming from the diverse techniques that are utilised and the available information of the sample that may facilitate and improve the measuring process.

Hosting institution: University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR)

The Group for Manufacturing Engineering and Advanced Metrology at the University of Zaragoza performs world leading research in the fields of dimensional metrology with 3D large scale systems (laser trackers, etc.), development of precision engineering systems, manufacturing systems optimization, integration of digital technologies into manufacturing process according to Lean manufacturing principles, development and application of in-line quality vision technologies to manufacturing processes.

Visual information about the University of Zaragoza and its research work can be found in these videos: https://vimeo.com/230563312 , https://vimeo.com/265141983

The requirements and characteristics of the contract are detailed in the FPI programme announcement (Articles 6 to 8). Following, we summarize its main aspects.

The objective of this programme is the training of doctors by means of funding their predoctoral employment contract, allowing the researchers to undertake a doctoral thesis associated to a research project.

At the same time, the programme is also intended for funding a 1-year postdoc contract for the PhD students who obtain their PhD degree before starting the last year of contract considered in the programme.

Candidate requirements:

1. A person can be an applicant if they are enrolled or admitted in a PhD program for the academic year 2019/2020 at the moment they present their application. Similarly, a person can also be an applicant if, at the moment of applying, without being enrolled or admitted in a PhD program, they meet all the requirements to be so at the time the employment contract is formalised.
2. A person cannot be an applicant or enrol in the FPI programme if they are under any of these circumstances:
   1. Having started their predoctoral training with other PhD scholarship programmes within the “Plan Estatal de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica” or any of the previous “Planes Nacionales” of the Spanish Government.
   2. Being in possession of a doctoral degree by any Spanish or foreigner University.
   3. Having been employed under a predoctoral contract for a period longer than 12 months before presenting the application.

Characteristics of the contract:

1. The scholarship will have a maximum duration of four years, starting on the date that the researcher initiates the contract.
2. The scholarship comprises two concepts: the funding of the employment contract, and an additional funding to cover the expenses of research stays in Research and Development centres and the registration fees of the doctoral program.
3. The scholarship for the funding of the employment contract is 22,300 € per year. The researcher minimum gross annual salary will be 17,785 €. If the researcher obtains the doctoral degree before starting the last year of the contract, a funding of 25,100 € will be authorised for the contract of employment as postdoc, for a length of 1 year. In this case, the researcher minimum gross salary during this period will be 19,000 €.

Applications should be submitted according to the specifications of the FPI programme announcement  (Articles 12 and 13). It is recommended to contact the professors José Antonio Yagüe-Fabra (jyague@unizar.es) or José Antonio Albajez García (jalbajez@unizar.es) in advance.