Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 2 billion per year. We currently have 1,500 employees and 17,900 students. In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Engineering Materials research group is seeking highly motivated candidates for a PhD position. As a PhD student, you will be a part of a dynamic and international research environment, closely collaborating with industry and leading universities worldwide. Engineering Materials is engaged in extensive research programs spanning a broad range of metallic and ceramic materials. We are part of the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, which has several other research topics relevant to materials research (e.g. material mechanics, machine elements and solid mechanics).

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org

Subject description
Engineering Materials includes the field of material composition, structure, properties and production of materials – mainly metallic and ceramic – as well as application aspects.

Project description
The project is focused on pioneering research to comprehensively understand the impact of sustainable, cutting-edge ultrasonic treatment on the behavior of polycrystalline FCC (face-centered cubic) metals following cold rolling, or when produced through powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing. Advanced microstructural characterization will be conducted, focusing on grain orientation and grain-boundary plane characteristics to evaluate the response of FCC metals to ultrasonic treatment. The research will generate a robust dataset that will serve as a cornerstone for predictive modeling of FCC metals' performance after ultrasonic treatment.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work through publications in scientific journals and at national/international conferences. You will take compulsory and elective doctoral courses, plan and execute your research project more and more independently during your studies. In addition, you could have the opportunity to try the teacher role.

In this PhD position you are expected to perform experimental work including ultrasonic treatments, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, mechanical testing and theoretical modelling work. You will optimize ultrasonic treatment conditions, characterize behavior of single-, bi- and polycrystalline structure and model the polycrystalline structure performance based on experimental results. The project will engage in multi-disciplinary research in several scientific fields, such as (i) fundamentals of nano-scale strengthening, (ii) crystal plasticity of FCC metals, (iii) grain-boundary engineering, (iv) effect of ultrasonic waves on microstructure of FCC metals and (v) modelling.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Qualifications
A successful candidate has a theoretical depth in materials science and physics of metals and an experimental interest. Knowledge in thermodynamic, phase transformation, crystallography and crystal plasticity are merits for this research project. Appropriate background for the position is a Master’s degree with a focus on Materials Engineering, or equivalent. Experience in advanced microstructural characterization of metals and modelling is considered as a merit. 

We seek motivated and enthusiastic candidate capable of conducting leading-edge research, working independently, and collaborating effectively within a team. Excellent communication skills and very good skills in both spoken and written English are essential.

During evaluation, special emphasis is placed on:

• Knowledge and experience relevant to the current research project
• Quality of Master thesis
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Personal characteristics relevant to research work

 For further information about specific doctoral education, see:
the study plans for doctoral education within the technical field

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20% of full-time. The place of employment is Luleå, Sweden. Intended starting date is February 2025.

For further information about the position, please contact:
Marta-Lena Antti, Professor, +46 920 49 2093, marta-lena.antti@ltu.se
Ilana Timokhina, Associate Professor, +46 920 49 2234, ilana.timokhina@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer +46 920 49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 920 49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: February, 10, 2025
Reference number: 4044-2024