Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on modeling of tin whiskers - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The field of solid mechanics relates to methods and principles aimed at describing deformations, stresses and instability phenomena in deformable bodies.

Solid mechanics is a core discipline in mechanical engineering and it is of fundamental importance also to related disciplines. The types of questions being dealt with carry high relevance for industrial applications.

The research in solid mechanics at LTH focuses on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructure mechanics, structural optimization, fracture mechanics, stability analysis and experimental methods.

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

The employment is part of a research project funded by the Swedish Research Council that aims to identify mechanisms that control the growth of tin whiskers that can spontaneously begin to grow out of the tin surface. This project aims to establish modeling techniques to simulate the growth of whiskers. Constitutive equations will be established for the phenomenon and a numerical solution methodology based on the finite element method will be further developed. The proposed project will provide a description of the growth of whiskers. Identification of essential parameters that control this phenomenon will be a natural part of the project. The project will mainly focus on numerical modeling and simulation based on finite elements, such as phase field modeling. For this, the doctoral student will need to implement their own numerical calculation tools. Experimental studies will also be included in the work.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs 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 Solid Mechanics if the applicant has:

• at least 90 credits in the field, including at least 45 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
• a MSc in civil engineering, engineering physics, engineering mathematics or mechanical engineering.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good proficiency in advanced constitutive modeling.
• Very good proficiency in the finite element method (FEM), not just limited to use of commercial FEM software.
• Good knowledge in solid mechanics, materials engineering and physics.
• Good proficiency in computer programming.

Assesment 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 based on 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. These may be demonstrated through documents appended to the application and at a possible interview.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment could be made on the basis of the student’s degree project and a discussion of this at a possible interview. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience

Other assement criteria

• Applicants should have proficiency and sincere interest in mathematical modeling and numerical methods.
• Experience of Linux-based computer systems and in programming, using Fortran, Matlab and Python.
• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience in experimental methods for characterization of metallic materials.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as to how the applicant, through her or his experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program.

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 §§.

Instructions on 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, a copy of your Master’s thesis or equivalent or a summary in case the work is not completed and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation etc.). In addition, a minimum of two references with full contact information must be provided. You are also asked to answer the job specific questions.