Doctoral students in Solid Mechanics with a focus on experimental mechanics with neutron and x-ray imaging for Li-ion batteries, paperboard or granular materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

At the Division of Solid Mechanics we have a strong program in experimental mechanics to study a range of different material challenges. We currently have openings to develop advanced x-ray and neutron characterisation methods to study Li-ion batteries, paperboard mechanics and granular dynamics. The selected candidate(s) will work in one of three main areas:

Li-ion battery processes:
Dual-modality, multi-spectral and high-speed 3D neutron/x-ray imaging techniques to reveal the evolution of microstructure and the distribution and movement of lithium in solid-state battery material components and in complete devices under realistic environmental conditions of varying temperature and mechanical load. 

Multi-scale paperboard mechanics:
Development and exploitation of advanced, x-ray based experiments and data analysis methods for multi-scale characterisation of paper-based packaging materials and exploration of how these can be used to advance the material understanding and modelling approaches.

Granular mechanics and dynamics:
Exploring inter- and intra-granular kinematics, stress distributions and dynamic processes in granular materials, including at very high strain rates, using advanced 3D x-ray imaging and diffraction. 
 

Work duties

The doctoral student will work on:

• development of novel experiments using advanced neutron and x-ray methods;
• development of novel algorithms to analyse multi-spectral, multi-scale or dynamic neutron/x-ray image data;
• running experimental campaigns;
• analysing the neutron and x-ray imaging/scattering data and relating the experimental results to theories/modelling.

Experiments will be performed at international x-ray and neutron facilities, including at MAXIV and first experiments at ESS, as well as at the local 4D Imaging Lab at Lund University. 

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 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 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 engineering physics, engineering mathematics, mechanical engineering or physics, or civil engineering.

 Additional requirements:

• Good knowledge in physics and solid mechanics
• Experience in computer programming and experimental methods
• Curiosity about research and teaching, in general, plus motivation for the particular research project
• Creativity with a good ability for cooperation and networking
• Proactivity and personal leadership
• Persistence and a methodological way of working
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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. 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

• an interest in experimental methods, advanced data/image analysis and computer programming;
• knowledge of x-ray/neutron science and techniques, imaging methods, image analysis/reconstruction, in particular tomography, and algorithm development;
• experience in computer programming in Matlab®, python, C, or equivalent;
• experience in performing advanced experiments.

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 §§.

We intend to employ 1-3 doctoral students

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.