Post-doctoral fellow in Synchrotron X-ray based studies related to materials, processes and sensors for the metals and production industry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The extreme brightness and unique properties of new X-ray and neutron sources such as MAX IV and ESS represent a huge leap forward in our ability to study important scientific questions for the metals and manufacturing industry. They uniquely allow researchers to look inside products with high spatial resolution and chemical/structural contrast, even under conditions of production or use. This can give novel insights into fundamental issues of aging, brazing, coating and corrosion as well as new concepts such as additive manufacturing.  The project combines researchers with experience across all technical readiness levels (TRLs), from the most recent methods developed at ESS and MAX IV, to advanced university based tools, to industrial production.

A new pathway is to further improve the sustainability and competitiveness of Swedish industry is to develop Integrated nano/microsensor technology that provide real-time data and function continuously in the harsh and hard-to-access environments in direct contact with the product operations and production activity. This contains a number of challenges that can be addressed also using synchrotron methods.

The project involves several large research environments such as:

MAX IV (http://www.maxiv.lu.se) is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics. It provides scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with the most brilliant Synchrotron radiation source and instrumentation for research in areas such as materials science and nanotechnology.

Sustainable Production Initiative, SPI, (http://www.lu.se/forskning/starka-forskningsmiljoer/strategiska- forskningsomraden/spi) is a collaboration between Lund University and Chalmers over research on manufacturing systems and technology. The research is broad and includes everything from manufacturing technology to economics. The goal is to carry out scientific studies and implement the results for a competitive and sustainable manufacturing sector.

NanoLund (http://www.nano.lu.se) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 270 PhD students and scientists in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of- the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanostructures.

 Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

In this project you will study technologically relevant metal structures and processes related to industrial manufacturing processes using newly established synchrotron-based X-ray methods. A focus will be on the structure, chemistry, and morphology of metal samples from atomic to macroscopic scales. We will study samples after they have been processed under industrial conditions as well as during manufacturing or processing conditions. Importantly we will also work to understand the material science questions of novel sensor integration into metal production and products.  The aim is to obtain a significantly improved fundamental understanding of industrial processes related to metals and help produce better and more sustainable fabrication methods.

Within this project, you will use and develop synchrotron based X-ray imaging, spectroscopy and scattering techniques to study metals and metal alloys under vacuum conditions or in controlled liquids or atmospheres. Advanced nano and microfabrication methods for creating sensors on metals will also be explored. A relevant point will be the computational analysis of the measured data as well as simulations to retrieve all relevant information.

Experiments will be performed at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, as well as at other international synchrotron and may also include neutron based characterization related to ESS. Finally, experiments will include the use of a variety of other widely used nanoscience characterization and fabrication techniques.

The work will be performed both at Department of Physics and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Lund University. Several companies in the metals and manufacturing industries will also be involved in the work. The work is connected to major projects and centres in the area involved hundreds of PhD students and researchers.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience in working at synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Experience in materials science and technology of compounds materials.
• Experience in research on industrially relevant metal alloys and production processes
• Experience in advanced image analysis or other types of data analysis.
• The ability for skilful laboratory work, including nanofabrication, microscopy and ultrahigh vacuum technology.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.