Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with a focus on x-ray based experimental characteristion of the micromechanics of fibre-based materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

This PhD project will focus on the development and exploitation of advanced x-ray based experiments and data analysis methods for multi-scale characterisation of paper fibre based packaging materials and explore how these can be used to advance the material understanding and modelling approaches.

The PhD position is part of a wider collaboration with Tetra Pak aiming towards increasing the understanding of the structure and deformation mechanisms in paper-based packaging materials from the fibre-scale to the board scale. The research will exploit advanced experimental techniques to probe the deformation mechanisms at different scales to separate out contributions from different structural components. In particular, we will exploit x-ray scattering and imaging, including the new ForMAX beamline at MAXIV (www.maxiv.lu.se/beamlines-accelerators/beamlines/formax/),), in combination with explicitly designed experiments to explore the multi-scale mechanics of the material.

Work duties

The doctoral student will work on:

• development of novel “in-situ” experiments to investigate micromechanics in conjunction with x-ray scattering and imaging measurements
• running experimental campaigns at local, national and international x-ray facilities
• analysing x-ray scattering and imaging data, including, as necessary, the development of new algorithms
• relating the experimental results to theories/modelling of deformation processes

Experiments will be performed at international synchrotron facilities, including exploiting the new capabilities of the ForMAX beamline at MAXIV, and at the 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 civil engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge in physics and solid mechanics.
• Experience in computer programming.

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. Evidence of an 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.

• experience in experimental methods
• knowledge of x-ray science and techniques (SAXS, WAXS, tomography), imaging methods, image analysis/reconstruction and algorithm development
• experience in computer programming in Matlab®, Python, C, or equivalent
• experience in data/image analysis.

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.).