If you are looking for a research opportunity and a PhD position with direct impact on sustainability in manufacturing, here is a possibility of joining a collaboration between the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark and Grundfos A/S◀.

The PhD project endeavors to radically change the contemporary metal forming methodologies used today, with a particular focus on mitigating the environmental impact associated with the current state-of-the-art lubrication and washing practices. The vision is to achieve complex forming processes operating entirely without the use of forming lubricants and thereby also removing the energy and water expensive process of washing the components with heated water, soap, and foam inhibitors after forming.

If this sounds interesting, the position as our Industrial PhD Student might be what you are looking for.

About us

Grundfos is dedicated to developing new technologies within pumps and water treatment and has done so for decades. Grundfos is currently employing more than 19,000 people worldwide in 55 countries with the main staff located at the headquarters in Bjerringbro, Denmark. Grundfos processes approximately 12,000 tons of stainless-steel coils every year by converting them into thousands of different components, utilizing hundreds of different equipment in internal press lines. The stainless-steel components are used to enhance the lifetime, performance, and reliability of our products. Thus, complex forming of stainless steel is a core competence and a central part of the Grundfos DNA.

As our new Industrial PhD, you will join a team of 12 competent colleagues in Grundfos Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Department, - Mechanics Tech. & Innovation. The team is responsible for developing the global Grundfos manufacturing technology into a new and sustainable future. The department covers several specialist areas, including metal forming and joining. Our metal forming competences cover several fields of knowledge, such as mechanical tool design, numerical process simulation and optimization, tribology testing, tool assembly and coating, tool test, materials science, and process optimization. The department is closely collaborating with our manufacturing plants and external partners such as universities as well as leading technology suppliers for the industry.

What is the job about?

Together with our team, you will investigate and implement innovative methods to reduce environmental impact of metal forming by minimizing the use of oil lubrication and washing. Your investigations will be a combination of numerical simulations, testing and implementation of new forming strategies, tool materials and coatings to reduce wear and friction. During the project you will analyze the quality of parts, tool life and environmental impact of the proposed solutions, including the potential to save oil lubrication and reduce energy and chemical consumption.

As a PhD candidate enrolled at the Technical University of Denmark, you will also benefit from the guidance of experienced supervisors from both the academic and industrial sector. Finally, you will have the opportunity for a 3-month prolonged stay at the Technical University of Munich, which is internationally recognized for their work in the field.

Your background

We're seeking a results-oriented colleague that either works as a researcher or scientist or having the aspirations to become a researcher.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree at the time the employment start.

Below qualifications are considered beneficial for the candidate:

Experience with numerical simulations, e.g. FEM.
Good understanding of metal forming processes and/or materials science.
Experience with experimental work is beneficial.

What’s in it for you?

Whether it’s developing skills or advancing your expertise even further, we’ll support you with continuous learning and development opportunities, to help discuss and steer your long-term Grundfos career path. You’ll be welcomed from day one into an inclusive and trusting environment, where we benefit from sparring and using each other’s competence to deliver on our projects and commitments to the organization guided by six core values.

In addition, your day-to-day benefits include:

On top of it, flexible working hours and up to 3 days’ additional paid leave for volunteering of your choice
Annual bonuses, health insurance, parental support, internal well-being consultants and programmes
Access to the modern Grundfos Academy to pursue further both personal and professional development
Diverse, inclusive environment with employee-led forums offering colleagues a safe place to connect and share openly

Do you want to learn more?

If you have questions or would like to know more about this position, please contact:

Senior R&D Manager Tom Magnussen [email protected]

Chief Engineer Kasper M. Madsen [email protected]

Associate Professor Chris Valentin Nielsen [email protected].

If this job sounds appealing, please send your resume by clicking “Apply”.

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We look forward to hearing from you.