Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics focused on bio-based packaging materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

Solid Mechanics was the first division established at LTH and is today a part of the Department of Construction Sciences. The division operates in an international environment and has contact with research organizations and companies both nationally and internationally. Today, the Division of Solid Mechanics consists of approximately 25 employees, of which approximately 15 are doctoral students. The working climate is open and welcoming and strives for every employee to be given the opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

The subject of Solid Mechanics deals with methods and principles to describe deformable bodies. Solid Mechanics is a basic subject in mechanical engineering and of fundamental importance for related discipline. The problems and questions that are dealt with in solid mechanics have clear relevance for industrial applications.

The research in the subject is particularly focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructural mechanics, structural optimisation and experimental methods.

Project 

The PhD project focuses on new packaging laminates whose different layers are entirely made of bio-based raw materials. These packaging laminates are to replace existing packaging materials, which also consist of aluminium foil and a number of polymer layers. In order to increase the understanding of how the different layers contribute to the mechanical properties of the laminated structure, this PhD project will include both experimental measurements and theoretical modelling. The doctoral project aims to characterize and develop material models for the mechanical behaviour of these new, more environmentally friendly, packaging laminates. The project also includes numerical implementation of the developed models. The doctoral project is a collaboration between the Division of Solid Mechanics and Stora Enso.

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. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The work duties in the research project include theoretical modeling and mechanical testing of cellulose-based fiber materials, both as laminates and as individual layers. The physical testing will include standard measurements with full-field deformation measurements (so-called digital image correlation) to determine the overall mechanical properties as well as measurements with X-ray-based methods (for example X-ray tomography) to study the interaction between the layers at the fiber level. The theoretical modeling will be based on the experimental results and focus on correctly describing the interaction between the different layers in a packaging laminate.

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:

• Good knowledge in solid mechanics
• Good knowledge in computer programming
• Knowledge in constitutive modelling and numerical methods, such as the finite element method
• 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. 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:

• Knowledge in continuum mechanics
• Experience of computer programming in Fortran, Matlab or Python.
• Shown an interest in mechanical material testing
• Shown an interest in X-ray techniques (e.g. tomography, SAXS, WAXS), imaging methods and image analysis

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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 §§.

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.).

We welcome your application!