Postdoctoral position in Solid Mechanics, with a focus on X-ray tomography for material analysis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The topic of solid mechanics deals with methods and principles for determining deformations, stresses and failure phenomena in deformable bodies.

Solid mechanics is a basic subject in mechanical engineering and of fundamental importance to related disciplines. The problems and issues addressed in the field of solid mechanics have a clear relevance for industrial applications.

Research in the subject is specifically focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, structural optimization, fracture mechanics, stability analysis and experimental methods.

Work duties
The position is part of a project aimed at developing X-ray tomography to characterize structure and deformation mechanisms in, for example, fiber-based materials. Structures and deformation mechanisms must be characterized on several scales, from micro to macro to increase the understanding of how material micro-structures and mechanisms influence the properties and behaviour of the material.

X-ray tomography and the development of experimental methods and image analysis tools for processing 3D and 4D data (3D + time) are central to the project. Both the 4D imaging lab at LTH and international synchrotron systems will be utilized in the project.

The main task of a postdoctoral researcher is to conduct the research project, but participation in teaching (up to no more than 20% of working hours) and other institutional work such as working with collaborative partners from universities and industry is expected.The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualification requirements
The basic qualification for a postdoctoral researcher is a doctoral degree in physics, engineering, computer science, image analysis or related discipline completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

The applicant should have practical experience of X-ray tomography and of analyzing data from advanced X-ray experiments and possess expertise in X-ray methods and 3D image analysis.

Applicants should be able to express themselves well in English (written and oral). The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is of great importance.

The candidate should have documented experience in the following areas:

• X-ray tomography
• 3D image analysis and visualization.
• English presentation ability in speech and writing.
• Good communication skills.
• Independent work in projects together with researchers and research groups.

Assessment criteria
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.The selection for this position will be based on evaluation of skills and experiences in X-ray tomography, image analysis and experimental methods.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications
Experience in the following areas will be considered additional merit:

• Knowledge of tomographic reconstruction.
• Experience in "in-situ" experiments.
• Experience in developing data analysis algorithms.
• Scientific programming in one or more of the following languages: Python, MATLAB, C / C ++, Fortran.
• Experience of experiments at international synchrotron facilities.
• Experience in education / teaching.
• Knowledge in Swedish.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. The evaluation will take into account factors such as problem solving ability, analytical ability, collaboration skills and ability to take initiatives. Communication skills and ability to work independently will also be evaluated.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions for the application
The application should contain a personal letter stating why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background. The application must also contain a CV, diploma or equivalent and other information that you wish to invoke (copies of grades, information on references, letters of recommendation etc.).