PhD “Development of a plasma source for surface treatment”

• Job-ID: V000011450
• Location: Linz
• Start date: ab Februar 2026

Introduction

voestalpine Stahl GmbH is the leading company in the Steel Division, the largest of the four voestalpine divisions. It is the international steel competence center of the voestalpine Group and operates one of the largest industrial research and development centers in Austria.

For more information about the company, visit: http://www.voestalpine.com/stahl

Job description

Topic:

Development of equipment for plasma treatment and plasma-analytical characterization of surfaces – with a focus on process development and layer design 

Brief:

The dissertation covers the development and optimization of a plasma treatment unit as well as the expansion of plasma analysis. The aim is to investigate and specifically modify surfaces through plasma exposure. The work combines experimental research, process development, and layer design and offers the opportunity to advance innovative technologies for industrial applications. 

Focus of the work

Process development:

• Construction and further development of a plasma treatment unit for various substrates (primarily steel strip)
• Co-development of an inline layer thickness measurement system for plasma coating, including electrical engineering aspects
• Development and implementation of inline plasma analysis (e.g., optical emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry)
• Investigations on steel samples: Surface characterization using methods such as AFM, SEM, XRD, etc.
• Plasma annealing: Comparison of current annealing technologies (literature), concept for laboratory setup with W wire as an additional source, integration into existing simulator
• Temperature measurement at high temperatures based on emissivity measurements: interaction of metal vapor and plasma

Layer design:

• Analysis of different surfaces and material pretreatments
• Development of coatings with varying materials and substrates
• Derivation of design guidelines for new products

Qualifications

• Completed diploma or master's degree in physics, physical engineering, materials science, or a comparable technical field of study
• Interest in experimental plasma technology and surface modification
• Knowledge of vacuum technology, plasma diagnostics, and analytical methods (AFM, GD-OES, SEM, XRD) is an advantage
• Basic understanding of electrical engineering systems desirable
• Independent, structured way of working and ability to work in a team
• knowledge of English 

What we offer

• Collaboration in an innovative research project with high practical relevance
• Access to modern laboratory equipment and interdisciplinary expertise
• Opportunities for scientific development and publication
• Support from experienced experts

• Training and education
• Flexible work hours
• Healthy nutrition
• Good transportation access
• Cafeteria
• Parking space

Contact & Application

We look forward to receiving your detailed application (cover letter, resume, references)!

Please address technical questions exclusively to Dr. W. Burgstaller.

More information about our application process can be found on the first page of our application form and in the "FAQs" to apply.
Please be aware that benefits may vary depending on location.

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