Doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering Sciences with focus on the profile area Material and Production Technology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The Mechanical Engineering Sciences subject is interdisciplinary in character with a large emphasis on industrial applicability. The current profile area within Mechanical Engineering Sciences includes studies on production processes, machines, methods, and their use in industrial production systems. The research area includes, among others, studies of models which describes different kinds of manufacturing processes such as metal cutting, forming, casting etc., and monitoring, optimizing, simulating, and controlling these processes.

Work duties

The work duties are multidisciplinary and primarily include the machining of stainless steels with focus on understanding the tool deterioration during machining. Among other duties, the work includes investigation and modelling of the stress conditions on the boundary surface between cutting tool and workpiece material in combination with other relevant conditions. It also includes in-depth research studies in order to gain an understanding of the effect of different phases on the tool degradation mechanisms, e.g. adhesive wear, localized wear (notch wear), and chemical reactions. The work tasks also include development of tests that simulate the previously indicated contact relation in-situ. These studies may include different types of microscopy, modelling, and simulation of the particular machining process with focus on creating a descriptive and predictive models. Finally, the work can also include an efficient AI-solution for unmanned inspection and analysis of the process result parameters such as quality (shape, tolerance, surfaces), disturbances (stops and downtime) and production rate (efficiency).

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 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 in Mechanical Engineering Sciences for third cycle studies if the applicant has: 

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

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Master of Sciences in Mechanical Engineering, Technical Physics, Material Design/Technology or equivalent for the position relevant area.
• Ability to work with information gathering, analysis, and documentation within the described field.

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: 

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

Other assessment criteria:

• Extensive experience in metal cutting, master thesis on the topic is extra meritorious.
• Experience on modelling and simulation of machining process.
• Experience on material technology and its influence on the machining process.
• Experience of sample preparation and microscopy.
• Industrial experience of metal cutting.
• Courses or otherwise attained knowledge on automation and artificial intelligence is extra meritorious.
• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.

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 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.).

You are also asked to answer the selection questions.