We are looking for a highly motivated research assistant holding a doctoral degree for our DFG-funded project "SimuCrown: Simulation of functional aging – towards failure prediction of dental restorations". Together with our project partners from the Dental Clinic of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the BAM – Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, we aim at understanding failure of dental crowns, originating from the complex cyclic loading situation in the mouth. Crowns are fixed to the tooth by a thin cement layer. Failure of the crown-cement-tooth-complex (CCTC) often originates from failure of the cement layer. The team at TU Berlin is responsible for dynamic finite element (FE) simulations of cement aging and fatigue testing of standardised sandwich samples. Specifically, the tasks include:
• development of FE computer models of CCTC from µCT-data, taking macro- and micro-structural properties of the cement layer into account;
• performing FE simulations to evaluate local mechanical stress and strain levels and their distributions;
• performing dynamic FE simulations to predict temporal and spatial changes of the mechanical performance of the cement layer, due to dynamic changes in the cement microstructure;
• development and design of a fatigue testing set-up for sandwich specimens, combining mechanical and thermal cyclic loading;
• fatigue testing in bending;
• analysis and evaluation of the results using analytical, numerical and theoretical approaches;
• high resolution 2D and 3D microstructural evaluation by advanced imaging techniques;
• develop the theoretical and scientific fundamentals of the research work;
• provide ongoing, current up-dates of the state-of-art;
• contribute to manuscripts for publication of the results in highly ranked scientific journals;
• prepare abstracts and presentations of the results in national and international conferences;
• actively participate in regular project meetings and fulfilling obligations as defined in these meetings, including preparation of presentations and reports;
• support administrative, organisational and public relation tasks required for the success of the collaborative project:
• engage in the scientific output of project partners by exchange of specimens, techniques and knowhow.
The successful candidate will have:
• successfully completed a doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing., Dr. rer. nat., PhD, or equivalent) and an academic degree (diploma, master of science or equivalent), both with very good final grades in materials science, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering or similar disciplines. A strong background in materials science and finite element simulation is essential.
• proven experience in simulation of mechanical failure processes and in performing scientific experiments; previous experience in Abaqus, and in development, design and performing of fatigue testing set-ups is an advantage.
• structured working style, organisational skills and good time management.
• interpersonal skillset to work in an interdisciplinary, intercultural team.
• sense of responsibility and reliability.
• written and oral fluency in English, excellent skills in writing scientific texts and in oral presentation of scientific results.
• very good knowledge in German or basic knowledge and keen interest to improve German speaking skills to be able to communicate with German-speaking team members.
• willingness for work-relevant (e.g. experiments) national and international working travel.
Please send your written application, including all usual documents (letter of intent, CV, high school, university, working and language certificates) per e-mail (in one pdf-document) to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claudia Fleck, Materials Science & Engineering,
[email protected]. Please note the reference number.
To ensure equal chances between women and men, applications of women with the described qualification are explicitly welcome.
Handicapped applicants with the same suitability are treated preferentially.
Due to cost reasons, your documents will not be sent back. Please submit only copies.
