PhD Student Non-destructive Testing Adhesive Bonds (f/m/d)

Brief Role Description

At Volkswagen Passenger Cars, you will work in production planning as part of a motivated team focused on shaping a future‑ready and efficient production system. With our expertise, we drive cross‑brand collaboration and develop cost‑optimized solutions that we validate in Group committees. You will gain insights into the Volkswagen Group at the Wolfsburg site and gather practical industry experience alongside your doctoral research. In the “New Technologies” team, we develop and implement innovative processes - from early technology concepts to series production. This includes non‑destructive testing methods and digital systems that evaluate joining‑process data for quality assessment. We act as the central contact for all joining and testing technology topics for body shop planning, product planning, the plants, and development. As a doctoral researcher, you conduct independent research, build expertise through experimentation and collaboration with academic and industry partners, publish findings, and present at conferences. The role combines theory with practical problem‑solving and supports innovation and analytical thinking.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Evaluating, assessing, and implementing non‑destructive testing methods with a focus on adhesive bonds, in collaboration with Quality Assurance and external partners
• Analyzing, describing, and assessing methods regarding their suitability for non‑destructive inspection
• Implementing a non‑destructive testing method for adhesive bonds with respect to adhesion quality
• Experimentally validating the non‑destructive testing technology according to the requirements of the technology development process — from principle and concept feasibility through to series readiness

 

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in a technical field, ideally with a focus on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of non‑destructive testing methods
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand and clearly communicate complex relationships
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a willingness to develop innovative ideas
• Strong aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration
• High level of teamwork, independence, and reliability

Keywords

Dissertation, Production technology, Data-driven inspection methods, Adhesive bonding

What we offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel