Doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering Sciences - Sentio Competence Center focusing on sensors technology in heat exchangers

Description of the workplace

This project is led by 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. 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. Our premises are in the recently renovated M-building on LTH's campus in Lund.
More information about the division (iprod.lth.se/english)

The project is carried out within Sentio – Integrated Sensors and Adaptive Technology for Sustainable Products and Manufacturing – which is a newly inaugurated competence centre coordinated by Lund University in close collaboration with companies from Swedish industry, RISE, Region Skåne and trade associations. The goal is to create a world leading highly interdisciplinary research centre that brings together the wide range of diverse competences from industry and academia that are needed to develop integrated sensor technology with the capacity to significantly improve sustainability, reduce the use of resources, and increase competitiveness across industrial sectors of Sweden.  In this first recruitment Sentio will hire 7 doctoral students within different areas of expertise who will all work together with the research within Sentio. Sentio is financed by Vinnova – Sweden’s innovation agency.
More about Sentio Competence Centre (sentio.lu.se)

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 teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). The research projects are performed in close collaboration with other doctoral students within Sentio Compentence Center and involved industry partners. This research project focuses on optimizing heat transfer by developing sensor-integrated steel components for industrial heat exchangers. Our aim is to create functional parts with integrated sensors, to monitor and analyze heat exchanger performance. You will utilize advanced lithography and deposition technologies to ensure sensor functionality, scalability, and durability in real-world applications. The real-time data generated will support sustainability models and enhance thermal analysis, contributing to more efficient industrial processes.

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 
• a second-cycle degree in a relevant field.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Solid theoretical knowledge in metallic materials.
• Good problem-solving skills and linguistic analysis ability.
• Good collaboration skills and ability to work independently.

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:

• Ability to handle technical equipment
• Ability to plan research 
• Pedagogical ability

Experience in any of the following areas will be considered a merit:

• Sensor integration and thin-film technology
• Lithography techniques
• Industrial heat exchanger design and operation
• Data acquisition and real-time monitoring systems
• Materials science and engineering, particularly metals and coatings
• Collaboration with industrial partners

Consideration will also be given to drive 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!