Doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering Sciences – Sentio Competence Center with a focus on Sustainability Analysis and Modelling of Machining Operations

Description of the workplace

Sentio Competence Centre (sentio.lu.se) is a newly inaugurated competence centre coordinated by Lund University in close collaboration with companies from Swedish industry, RISE, Region Skåne and industry organisations. The goal is to create a world-leading highly interdisciplinary research center that brings together the wide range of different competencies from industry and academia needed to develop integrated sensor technology with the capacity to significantly improve sustainability, reduce resource use and increase competitiveness, across industrial sectors in Sweden.

Sentio will develop technology for sustainable circular production chains and train the next generation of engineers. To succeed, parties from different disciplines and subject areas need to collaborate in new ways. The competence centre therefore brings together expertise in industrial production, nanotechnology and nanofabrication, materials characterisation, mathematical modelling and signal processing (AI/ML), wireless communication and software development, as well as knowledge of production processes and models for sustainability analysis. 

The position is located at the Division of Production and Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Engineering. We currently have about 25 employees but are currently in an expansion phase. We conduct research, education and community engagement in manufacturing methods and processes, sustainable manufacturing systems, smart manufacturing, materials and material characterization, product realization, and recycling and circular economy. The current position will be in connection with processing and manufacturing systems, where we want to increase knowledge and development in sustainability assessments to support decisions and behaviour for more sustainable processes and products. 

We educate engineering students studying mechanical engineering and industrial economics, as well as design students. As a doctoral student at our division, you also have the opportunity to be part of a national doctoral student network with over 200 university doctoral students and industrial doctoral students within production. The division is linked to the strategic research area Sustainable Production initiative led by Chalmers University of Technology.  

We continuously strive to have the best possible working environment with access to a relevant laboratory environment. To ensure a good and safe environment, we have clear instructions, internal training and recurring reconciliations and department meetings. We strive for good ergonomic equipment and good sound and air environments at our workplaces. The position is located in Lund.

Subject description

The specific project will focus on developing, improving and testing models for sustainability assessment of machining processes, where both technology, materials and organizational approaches are relevant to consider. The solutions developed in the project will be multifaceted and require a holistic approach where integration and interdisciplinary approaches are needed. The studies will essentially be practical and technical in order to develop the right basis for decision-making. 

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 can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Most of the employment will be located at the university, but it will be part of the duties to carry out project meetings, studies, tests, education, and participate in conferences elsewhere. The project is strongly linked to industry, and it is important to be able to collaborate with several industrial and academic stakeholders. You will conduct both theoretical and practical studies where use of machining equipment, material characterisation techniques and sample preparation will be included. You will have responsibility to develop adequate sustainability models that capture relevant loads and effects from technical and managerial decisions. 

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 Mechanical Engineering Sciences if the applicant has: 

• At least 90 credits of relevance to the field, including at least 60  second-cycle credits or
• Second-cycle degree in a in a relevant field

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Expertise in metallic materials and value-creating processes
• Expertise in the subject of metal cutting
• You need to be responsible, initiative-taking, creative and persistent with a strong desire to collaborate and share knowledge. 

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:

• Practical proficiency in machining
• Understanding and knowledge of both local and global sustainability
• Knowledge in economics
• Experience in project management
• Practical experience and know-how in microscopy and material analysis
• Programming and software development
• Work experience from the manufacturing industry
• B driving licence

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.).

Welcome to apply!