
The “UNVEIL” brings together Universities, Research Organisations and leading European institutions involved in (a) developing and application of novel methods in nondestructive testing and evaluation and (b) the preservation of our cultural heritage. UNVEIL aims to transform the diagnostics and preservation of cultural heritage by developing innovative non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and advanced digital tools for diagnostics, conservation and public engagement. The network brings together academic, industrial and cultural institutions to (i) enhance surface and subsurface analysis of multi-layered and 3D artworks using techniques such as terahertz imaging, thermography and ultrasonics; and (ii) integrate and visualise multimodal NDE data using data fusion, digital twins and augmented reality to provide a holistic understanding of artworks’ condition and structure. The objects of interest in this project will be sculptures, architectural columns and porcelain parts. First step is to gain an overview of the most interesting defects in these types of objects, which are then compared with the capabilities of various modern ultrasonic techniques (UT) and imaging evaluation strategies. The techniques used will include Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) and Air Coupled (AC) ultrasound detection. The candidate will design optimized setups for (i) vibration excitation by an impactor or ultrasonic transducers and (ii) non-contact detection by LDV or AC devices. He will optimize the image generation using modern ultrasonic methods as synthetic aperture focusing and total focusing. The candidate will gain hands-on experience with modern NDT instrumentation and advanced NDE signal processing methods.
Be part of change
The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS conducts applied research on high-performance ceramics and represents Europe‘s largest R&D institute dedicated to the study of ceramics. Furthermore, the institute has expertise in diagnostics and testing of materials and processes. Test procedures in the fields of acoustics, electromagnetics, optics, microscopy and laser technology contribute substantially to the quality assurance of products and plants. The Beneficiary will use the well-equipped SHM and ultrasound laboratories.
The Fraunhofer IKTS is situated in Dresden, the capital city of Saxony in Germany. Dresden has a long history as capital and royal residence for the former kings of Saxony. Because it is full of history and culture, Dresden is one of Germany’s touristic highlights. The Dresden University of Technology is one of the 10 largest universities in Germany and part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative. The so called “Neustadt” quarter of the town is full of young people and students and a great place to enjoy the nightlife. In the southeast of Dresden around the Elbe valley you find the national park Saxon Switzerland, a hilly climbing, hiking and bicycle area.
What you contribute
Mandatory skills: Optional skills: Eligibility requirements
What we offer
This position is part of the UNVEIL Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Doctoral Networks), Grant Agreement No. 101226363. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Recruitment will follow an open, transparent, merit-based, impartial and equitable procedure. MSCA Doctoral Salary (monthly, gross) The salary consists of three components which are added together: Note: Net salary depends on social contributions and local tax.
Only applications submitted through the official Fraunhofer application portal will be considered. See the UNVEIL recruitment page and collective advert for the other positions offered within UNVEIL: https://unveil-dn.eu/contact/
The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position is limited for three years. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.
Your contact: Dr. Bernd Köhler bernd.koehler@ikts.fraunhofer.de
Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS
Requisition Number: 83877 Application Deadline:

Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ist eine der führenden Organisationen für anwendungsorientierte Forschung: Seit der Gründung 1949 stärken Fraunhofer-Institute die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Wirtschaft und den Innovationsraum in Deutschland und Europa. Mit ganzheitlichen Angeboten für Wirtschaft und Politik liefert Fraunhofer Lösungen für branchenübergreifenden Impact. Darüber hinaus ist die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ein bedeutender Standortfaktor für das Innovationsland Deutschland: Durch die Aktivitäten erhöhen sich Investitionseffekte in der Wirtschaft, erlangen Unternehmen innovationsbasierte Wettbewerbsvorteile, entstehen Arbeitsplätze, Fachkräfte werden qualifiziert und es steigt die gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz moderner Technik.