Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanical Engineering Sciences with focus on Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Division of Industrial Production at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences. The division conducts research, development, teaching and industrial collaboration in materials and production technology with projects such as Industry 4.0, machining, Digitalisation of manufacturing processes and Sustainable production. The subject area is interdisciplinary and often at the intersection of basic and applied research. In the context of Industry 4.0, sensor-based process monitoring and decision-making are used to provide a fundamental understanding of production processes and their optimisation and to study research questions posed by industry. We are interested in new materials, processes and approaches to achieve an understanding of fundamental dynamic processes in modern manufacturing. Our research group consists of 25 senior and junior researchers.

Subject description

The postdoc will contribute to the development of intelligent solutions for monitoring and optimising critical machining processes, with a focus on improving the machinability of advanced materials. Key responsibilities include integrating smart monitoring systems with real-time data analysis to enable predictive maintenance and adaptive process control. The role will also emphasize the promotion of sustainable manufacturing practices to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Work duties

The main task of a postdoctoral fellow is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included in the duties, but not more than one fifth of the working hours. Within the framework of the position, there is an opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education pedagogy. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and to create the conditions for further merit.

The project aims to improve the machinability of selected materials by developing an intelligent solution for adaptive control of MQL-assisted machining, using bio-based lubricants and additives. The primary focus areas are ‘End-to-end AI in development, production and services’ and ‘Model and simulation-driven development and optimisation.’ Key efforts will include research on the physics of MQL-assisted machining and tool degradation when using environmentally friendly lubricants. In addition, the project emphasises developing models (Digital Twins) of cutting-related phenomena to optimise machinability.

Special focus will be put on creating an adaptive system for MQL-assisted machining, integrating physics-based and data-driven smart solutions. This system will exploit Sensor Fusion, Computer Vision and light robotics to optimise process performance.

As a postdoc, you will be responsible for planning, designing and conducting experiments independently, including the development of project ideas. Supervision of thesis projects and research students may also be part of the job. Similarly, we would like you to participate in joint tasks related to general departmental tasks, seminars, knowledge transfer and collaboration with industry, etc.

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• You have a very good command of the English language, both spoken and written.
• You have a PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science or control engineering with a mechanical engineering background (preferably).
• Good theoretical knowledge in dynamics, signal processing, time series analysis.
• You have good problem-solving and linguistic analytical skills.
• The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, but will also be able to collaborate with other researchers in other fields.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position with a primary focus on research. The position is intended as an initial career step and the assessment of applicants will be based primarily on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific ability in the subject area.

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

• Good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Pedagogical ability.

Other qualifications:

• Documented theoretical or practical experience in the field of manufacturing processes research, especially cutting processes in the aerospace and automotive industries.
• Demonstrated experience in using high-level programming languages.
• Experimental work related to research in mechanical engineering including manufacturing processes.
• Practical experience in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of dynamics (mechanical vibrations), signal and image processing, identification of dynamic systems, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) including deep learning and machine learning.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Industry 4.0 concept.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (state the exact period of employment between two and three 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”).

How to apply

The application must be written in English. Present your merits according to LTH's academic merit portfolio, see link below. Upload as PDF files in the recruitment system (incl. copy of doctoral degree). Read more here: To apply for a teaching position at LTH.

Welcome with your application!