The Materials and Surface Engineering section in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking candidates for 1 Postdoc and 1 Research Assistant positions in the field of “Corrosion reliability of electronic systems and devices” starting from 1st of August 2014.The position is initially for a period of 12 months and includes fundamental and applied research as well as collaboration with a number of industrial partners.

Project background and content
Today corrosion reliability is a serious issue for electronic systems and devices. Among the factors influencing the corrosion reliability are multi-material combinations, miniaturization and contamination from manufacturing practice in combination with exposure to widely varying climatic conditions due to global use. Micron/nano-scale corrosion by several failure mechanisms and leak currents under humid conditions can introduce serious limitations of system and device functionalities, resulting in intermittent or permanent failures.

Research activities for the intended post-doc and research assistant position will focus on the following topics:

• Understanding the interaction between humidity and PCBA surface in detail including the water layer formation and its relation to hygroscopic contamination. 
• Investigating the effect of ionic residues, origin, and connection to automated and manual soldering process
• Mechanistic understanding of the corrosion issues such as electrochemical migration under thin water layers on PCBAs.
• Conformal coating on PCBAs and humidity interaction, and failure mechanism at coating interface.
• Strategies to improve inherent corrosion reliability of PCBAs.

The project is part of the CreCon industrial consortium and the intended work has strong collaboration industrial partners of the consortium.

Qualifications
Candidates for the post-doc position should have:

• A PhD Degree in Corrosion science and engineering or electrochemistry or an equivalent PhD degree with knowledge of materials engineering and chemistry.
• Documented research or industrial experience in corrosion and electrochemistry
• The capacity and interest to work in a multidisciplinary team including academia and industry
• An interest in assisting in co-supervising B.Sc., B.Eng., M.Sc. and Ph.D. students relevant for the project.

Candidates for the Research Assistant position should have:

• A Master degree in Materials Engineering, Chemistry or subject related to Corrosion science and engineering or electrochemistry. Master degree in electrical or electronic engineering with prior materials/corrosion or reliability knowledge and interest is also relevant.  
• The capacity and interest to work in a multidisciplinary team including academia and industry

Prior experience with the corrosion and reliability of electronics is an advantage for both positions.

Please specify the position you are applying for.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to

• scientific production and research potential at international level
• Innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas
• the ability to communicate at all levels such as the provision of scientific advice to public sector authorities
• an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
• the ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Further information
Further information on the position can be obtained from Associate Professor Rajan Ambat, Department of Mechanical Engineering, DTU, Phone: +45 4525 2181, e-mail: ram@mek.dtu.dk .

You can read more about Department of Mechanical Engineering on www.mek.dtu.dk .

Application procedure:
Please submit your online application no later than the 20th of June 2014. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Diploma (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications

In the field “Please indicate which position you are applying for” please indicate whether you are applying for position as Postdoc or Research Assistant.

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Mechanical Engineering covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within Solid mechanics, Fluid mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering, Energy systems and energy conversion, Materials and Surface Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering design and Product development. The department has a scientific staff of about 100 persons, 110 Ph.D. students and a technical/administrative support staff of more than 80 persons.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.

ONLINE application