Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on efficient topology optimization of non-linear structures - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 employment is part of a project that aims to establish numerical tools for designing optimal structures and materials using computational methods. The project will focus on developing optimization methods that can be used at both the macroscopic level and at the microscopic level. Part of the project consists of designing microstructures with exceptional properties, such as materials that change shape due to temperature changes or have negative Poisson's numbers. In particular, optimization methods for nonlinear materials and structures will be developed. An important part of the project is to develop efficient computational methods that enable optimization of systems with high resolution and thus large systems.

The employment is part of a research project 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 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 programs 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 Solid Mechanics if the applicant 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 knowledge in structural optimization.
• Very good knowledge in computational linear algebra.
• Very good knowledge in non-linear finite element method.
• Very good knowledge in constitutive modelleing.
• Very good knowledge in Enlish, both spoken and written.

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 based on 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. These may be demonstrated through documents appended to the application and at a possible interview. 
2. 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. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience

Other assessment criteria

The ideal candidate for this position has a strong interest in developing methods and algorithms suitable for solving large-scale structural optimization problems. The ability to work as part of an international, multidisciplinary team is also important. 

• An interest in solid mechanics, in particular continuum mechanics at large strains and computational mechanics.
• An interest in mathematics.
• Experience of computer programming in Matlab.
• Experience of teaching at university level.

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.