Lund University, LTH, Department of Construction Sciences

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.

Solid Mechanics
The field of solid mechanics relates to methods and principles aimed at describing deformations, stresses and instability phenomena in deformable bodies.

Solid mechanics is a core discipline in mechanical engineering and it is of fundamental importance also to related disciplines. The types of questions being dealt with carry high relevance for industrial applications.

The research in solid mechanics at LTH focuses on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructure mechanics, structural optimization, fracture mechanics, stability analysis and experimental methods.

Work duties
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 include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The position as doctoral student is part of a research project that is funded by the Swedish Science Council (VR), which aims at identifying the microstructure mechanisms that govern the interaction between particles and grain boundaries in metallic materials – also known as “Zener pinning”. The project will in particular study such particle pinning in relation to the phenomenon of abnormal grain growth, which is an important mechanism in industrial applications. The project work will be based on numerical modeling and simulation based on finite element or finite difference methods, for example by phase field or level set methods. To succeed in the project, the doctoral student will have to implement her/his own numerical tools. Possibly, experimental tasks may also be part of the project.

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

  • 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 she or he has:

  • at least 90 credits in the field, including at least 45 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
  • a MSc in civil engineering, engineering physics, engineering mathematics or mechanical engineering.

Additional requirements

  • Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
  • Very good proficiency in advanced constitutive modeling, such as continuum mechanics and plasticity theory.
  • Very good proficiency in the finite element method (FEM), not just limited to use of commercial FEM software.
  • Good knowledge in solid mechanics, materials engineering and physics.
  • Good proficiency in computer programming.

Assesment 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 based on 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. These may be demonstrated through documents appended to the application and at a possible interview.
  • An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment could be made on the basis of the student’s degree project and a discussion of this at a possible interview. 
  • Written and oral communication skills.
  • Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.


Other assesment criteria

  • Applicants should have proficiency and sincere interest in mathematical modeling and numerical methods, as well as in materials engineering.
  • Proficiency in Linux-based computer systems and in programming, using Fortran, Matlab and Python.
  • Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
  • Experience of molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Experience of level set modeling.
  • Experience of grain structure modeling in metallic materials at the microscale. In particular, related to anisotropic grain boundary properties.

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

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, a copy of your Master’s thesis or equivalent and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation etc.). In addition, a minimum of two references with full contact information must be provided.

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 PA2020/2859
Contact
  • Håkan Hallberg, Senior lecturer , +46462229092
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
  • SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-222 93 66
Published 09.Sep.2020
Last application date 29.Sep.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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