Doctoral Student in Electron Microscopy for Metal Processing - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

This project is a collaborative project between the Division of Production and Materials Engineering and the National Center for High Resolution Electron Microscopy (nCHREM). The position is located at the Division of Production and Materials Engineering within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences. At the division, we conduct research and education in material technology and production processes for modern manufacturing. Approximately 25 colleagues work at the division, including six doctoral students and three postdoctoral researchers. Our premises are in the recently renovated M-building on LTH's campus in Lund. More information about the department can be found here: https://www.iprod.lth.se/english

You will be part of the Material Synthesis and Characterization group. We are interested in new materials, new processes, and new approaches within manufacturing processes. Material characterization is performed at Lund NanoLab, MAX IV, and nCHREM. Specifically, in this project, 'environmental' transmission electron microscopy (E-TEM) and synchrotron-based techniques will be in focus. As a doctoral student in this high-profile research project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), you will have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research at the forefront of joining and additive manufacturing.

Project Description

The goal of the project is to renew the processing and treatment of advanced alloys by using microfabrication techniques traditionally associated with nanotechnology. Specifically, the use of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) with reactive gases will be investigated for applications in joining and surface treatment. A significant part of this research focuses on advanced steels, which are crucial in the development of green technologies for materials production and energy storage.

As a doctoral student, you will plan, design, and conduct experiments, with assistance from your supervisors. The focus will be on unraveling the complex processes involved in these new joining methods. By using advanced tools like Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy (E-TEM), and synchrotron-based techniques such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), you will perform real-time analyses of processes within joining and additive manufacturing. Your work will be crucial in understanding critical aspects such as surface processes, diffusion, and phase transformations. This in-depth analysis is key to developing physical models that elucidate the mechanisms behind these innovative methods for metal processing, thereby contributing significantly to the field of materials science and engineering.

Work duties

The main task for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their doctoral studies, which includes both participation in research projects and doctoral courses. The work tasks may also involve participation in teaching and other institutional work, however, this should not exceed 20% of the working time.

We also appreciate your participation in common tasks related to general institutional duties, seminars, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with industry, among others.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle studies if they:

• 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 if they have:

• 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.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme. 

Additional requirements:

• very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written
• solid theoretical knowledge in metallic materials.
• good problem-solving skills and linguistic analysis ability.
• the person hired is expected to be able to work independently but should also be able to collaborate with other researchers in different fields.

Assessment criteria

Selection for doctoral education is based on the assessed ability to benefit from research training. The assessment of capability is primarily based on study results at the basic and advanced levels. The following are considered:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis work and the subject of the education.
2. Assessed ability for independent work and the ability to formulate and tackle scientific problems.
3. Ability for written and oral communication.
4. Other experiences relevant for doctoral education, e.g., professional experience.

Other assesment criteria:

•    handling of electron microscopes (e.g., TEM, SEM)
•    experience in surface characterization (e.g., XPS)
•    experience in handling other advanced characterization instruments
•    Chemical or Physical Vapor Deposition (CVD, PCD)

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, motivation, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is deemed to have the ability needed to successfully complete the doctoral education.

We Offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous vacation, and favourable occupational pension. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Additional Information

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as doctoral students. The research training is four years at full-time study. In cases of teaching and other departmental work, the employment is extended to a corresponding degree, however, no longer than 5 years (i.e., max 20%). Regulations regarding employment as a doctoral student are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), 5 chap 1-7 §§.

How to Apply

The application must be written in English. The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the employment and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, diploma or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to claim (copies of grades, information for references, recommendation letters, etc.). 

In this reqruitment we also ask you to answer some selection questions as a first step in the process. 

Welcome with your application!