Fully Funded PhD in Advanced Additive Manufacturing

About the role

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana invites applications for a fully funded four‑year PhD position focused on advanced additive manufacturing. The research will centre on laser‑directed energy deposition (DED), especially wire‑based laser 3D metal printing, and will integrate machine learning, neural networks and advanced process control.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and operate an advanced robotic experimental system for wire‑based laser DED.
• Design and implement sensing and control solutions to monitor and optimise the printing process.
• Apply machine‑learning techniques to improve process stability and part quality.
• Analyse the microstructure, mechanical properties and overall quality of printed metal components.
• Document research findings and contribute to scientific publications.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in additive manufacturing and robotics.
• Motivation to conduct independent research over a four‑year period.

Required skills

• Laser‑directed energy deposition (DED) techniques.
• Wire‑based laser 3D metal printing.
• Machine learning and neural network modelling.
• Advanced process control and automation.
• Robotics and sensor integration.
• Materials characterization and quality analysis.

What we offer

• Fully funded PhD scholarship covering tuition and living expenses.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laser DED equipment and robotics lab.
• Opportunity to publish in high‑impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaboration with leading researchers in additive manufacturing.