Doctoral student in Mechanics, oriented towards modelling - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Mechanical modelling of small-scale phenomena constitutes the foundation for understanding and predicting macroscopic material behaviors. The research field includes both fundamental research and industrial applications, and its outcome contributes to improved understanding, knowledge and modelling capabilities of material scientific phenomena. The project primary focus deals with atomic and microscale modelling.

Resarch subject

Mechanics

Work duties

The work will be focused on the development of physically based models for predicting fracture in energy materials that can be applied in a multiscale setting to predict macroscopic failure. For this purpose, atomistic modelling of failure will be performed to characterize the mechanical response. The outcomes from this type of modelling will be incorporated into finite element models to simulate the response of realistic microstructures. The project is mainly of theoretical nature with emphasis on classical atomistic modelling, but also application and benchmark modelling of the resulting models will be performed using the finite element method. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council.

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 can 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.

The higher education institution may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds. Ordinance (2010:1064).

A person meets the specific admission requirements if he or she has

• at least 90 credits of relevance to the field, including at least 60 secondcycle credits, or
• a second cycle degree in a relevant field

Additional requirements:

• A university degree on advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in engineering physics, mechanical engineering, engineering mathematics or equivalent.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge or experience of programming, for instance Matlab, C and/or Fortran.

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Qualifications, skills and experience in analytical modelling and computer simulations. Experience from working with classical molecular dynamics and/or finite element modelling is considered beneficial.
• Documented ability to compose scientific text.
• Documented ability to analyze and present results in a structured manner, both in speech and in writing.
• Experience in research is considered a 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

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.).