Doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering Sciences with focus on Sustainable Circular Economy (Agenda 2030 Graduate School) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Vacancy announcement for doctoral studentship within the Lund University Agenda 2030 Graduate School

About the graduate school
The 2030 Agenda is the framework for sustainable development that the world’s nations have signed and promised to embody. Lund University aspires to be a part of the solution for a more sustainable future and has therefore started a graduate school focusing on societal challenges, sustainability issues and the 2030 Agenda. We now welcome to the graduate school applicants from various disciplinary backgrounds who want to take an active role in 2030 Agenda research.

You will be associated with a specific research studies programme, and simultaneously take part in the university-wide interdisciplinary research studies courses, developed on the basis of the issues defined by the global goals. The courses provide great potential to develop new forms of collaboration and work for change across disciplinary boundaries. Besides the research studies courses, you will participate in several activities linked to the graduate school in order to take an active part in the global sustainability agenda and to advance the research front on issues concerning the 2030 Agenda, for example through seminars, conferences, study trips and collaboration with various societal stakeholders.

The application processes and general qualification requirements for the relevant doctoral studentship can differ depending on the faculty and department responsible for the position. More information on the graduate school is available here:

https://www.sustainability.lu.se/education/agenda-2030-graduate-school

Subject description
The subject is Mechanical Engineering Sciences with focus on Sustainable Circular Economy of Cast Materials. The vision of circular economy is a key strategy in the efforts to realize a sustainable society. With today´s recycling methods of steels, iron and aluminium, significant values and resources are lost. One reason is that extra alloying elements and impurities are introduced in the recycled materials contributing both to value losses related to the extra material but also due to changed material characteristics related to the impurities. At the moment these problems are mainly solved by adding more virgin material hindering circular economy and driving up the use of mined materials.

To support sustainable circular economy, and contribute to reach the Sustainable Development Goals number 9 and 12, this doctoral project aims to investigate the impact from today’s recycling. Not only economics and sustainability related to resource usage but also in terms of material quality and characteristics. Better material specifications and demand from manufacturing companies for materials with low levels of extra alloying elements are one step in reaching sustainable circular economy. Another outcome is to propose guidelines for recycling of specific materials in order to reduce, or even eliminate, the need to dilute with virgin material. The focus will be casted materials in components important for the electrification of vehicles manufactured in machining operations.

The project will be interdisciplinary including both theoretical and experimental studies comprising materials analyses using e.g. electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and synchrotron experiments (MAX IV), machinability and process data studies, and production system studies related to cost and sustainable resource use using LCA. 

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. In the project the PhD students will conduct theoretical studies related to material characteristics, producibility and sustainability. Performing material investigation including material gathering at industry partners, conduct machining and material property tests, sample preparation and microscopy. The study will also involve economic analyses and LCA of selected materials which will comprise interviews and collaboration with the industrial partners.  

The work duties will 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 the applicant:

• 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 Mechanical Engineering Sciences if the applicant has:

• at least 90 higher education credits relevant to the subject area (e.g. Materials Engineering, Materials Science or Production Technology with focus on Materials Engineering), of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or;
• degree at advanced level in a relevant subject area.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge and and insights on metals microstructures and characteristics

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, but also from practical experiences. Special attention is paid to the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study;
  -be familiar with material characterisation techniques and sample preparation
  -knowledge in machining, both theoretical and operational
  -insights and knowledge on industrial cost drivers related to production
  -knowledge and skills in LCA
• Written and oral communication skills
• Be able to work independently and be active in making decision, to formulate and solve arising research problems.
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience from education, production technology and material analyses.

Other assessment criteria

• Experiences and/or knowledge in active written or/and oral communication to stakeholders, for example: seminars, home page communication, leadership in workshops etc. 
• Swedish writing and oral communication skills for industrial collaboration.

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 position needs a thorough background in material engineering/science but the project will include system and manufacturing technology perspectives. Describe your view of the need of making a transition into these fields. Also describe how, through the graduate school, you could contribute to innovative thinking and boundary-crossing research linked to the 2030Agenda. How can your experiences be connected to the graduate school/the 2030Agenda?

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.).