Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Institutionen för byggvetenskaper

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Subject description
Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics oriented towards x-ray imaging of dynamic processes. Many natural and industrial material processes of granular and powder systems occur over very short time scales, but our ability to understand these processes is limited by current imaging technologies. Whilst ultrafast 2D imaging is achievable with existing detector technologies and x-ray sources, our ability to image in 3D, which is essential to truly understand most processes, is limited by the need to rotate samples (and sample environments) extremely fast for tomographic imaging. The doctoral project is within a larger project, within which we will develop a method and instrumentation to reveal the full dynamic behaviour of sample systems with micrometre spatial resolution and temporal sampling down to 220ns. We will use this new dynamic, 3D imaging to investigate previously inaccessible processes in granular mechanics, which are of great interest in many industrial and natural processes. For example, we will investigate dynamic mechanisms of compaction, consolidation and shock-wave propagation under dynamic compression, the penetration of impactors on granular beds and also key time-dependent processes of creep and relaxation.

Work duties
The doctoral student will work on: (i) development of the fast imaging methodology, in particular relating to the 3D reconstruction of the material kinematics from limited angular projections; (ii) granular-dynamics experiments, involving development of the experimental set-ups, running experiments and analysing the data.

The student will be based at the Division of Solid Mechanics at Lund University, and in collaboration with researchers at the MAX IV synchrotron in Lund, at European XFEL and at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, which will provide with opportunities for international cooperation.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

  • has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
  • has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
  • has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Solid Mechanics if he or she has:

  • at least 90 higher education credits in the subject area, of which at least 45 higher education credits at advanced level and an advanced degree of at least 30 higher education higher education credits in the subject field, or
  • Master of Science in Physics, Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics or Mechanical Engineering.

Additional requirements:

  • Good knowledge in physics or solid mechanics.
  • Good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. Ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

  • Applicants should have an interest in experimental methods, numerical methods and computer programming.
  • Knowledge of x-ray techniques, imaging methods and image analysis/reconstruction is an additional merit.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Type of employment Temporary position
First day of employment As soon as possible
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2018/2963
Contact
  • Stephen Hall (Solid Mechanics), universitetslektor, +46 46 222 45 89
  • Rajmund Mokso (MAXIV), researcher, +46 72 551 74 97
Published 04.Oct.2018
Last application date 08.Nov.2018 11:59 PM CET

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