Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. 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 are currently 1,500 employees and have 17,900 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. Materials Science and Engineering is looking for motivated candidates for a PhD position. As a PhD student, you will be part of a dynamic and international research environment, in close collaboration with industry and leading universities worldwide. The Materials Engineering research group is engaged in extensive research programs spanning a wide 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. Mechanics of Materials, Machine Elements and Solid Mechanics). This recruitment is linked 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 materials science initiative in Sweden and will involve major investments at Sweden's top universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org Subject description Materials science covers the composition, structure, properties and production of materials, mainly metallic and ceramic materials, and their application aspects. Project description The project focuses on cutting-edge research to understand the effect of sustainable ultrasonic treatment on the behavior of polycrystalline FCC (surface-centered cubic) metals after cold rolling, or when produced by powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing. Advanced microstructure characterization will be carried out, focusing on grain orientation and grain boundary plane properties to evaluate the response of FCC metals to sonication. The research will generate data that will provide a basis for predictive modeling of the performance of FCC metals after sonication. Work tasks 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, including publication in scientific journals and at national/international conferences. You will take compulsory and elective PhD courses, plan and carry out research projects more and more independently during your studies. You may have the opportunity to try out the role of a teacher. In this PhD position, you will be expected to perform experimental work including ultrasound treatments, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, mechanical testing and theoretical modeling work. You will optimize ultrasonic processing conditions, characterize the behavior of single, bi- and polycrystalline structures, and model the performance of the polycrystalline structure based on experimental results. The project includes interdisciplinary research in several scientific areas, such as (i) the fundamentals of nanoscale hardening, (ii) crystal plasticity of FCC metals, (iii) grain boundary modification, (iv) effect of ultrasonic waves on the microstructure of FCC metals, and (v) modeling. Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be 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 foster a strong multidisciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers and industry. Qualifications A theoretical depth in materials science/materials physics and an experimental interest are desirable. Knowledge in thermodynamics, phase transformation, crystallography and crystal plasticity is important for this research project. Suitable background for the position is a Master's degree with specialization in materials engineering or equivalent. Experience in microstructural characterization of metals and modeling is considered an advantage. We are looking for motivated candidates who can conduct cutting-edge research, work independently and collaborate effectively within a team. Excellent communication skills and good knowledge of English in both speech and writing are essential. In the evaluation, particular attention will be paid to: - knowledge and experience relevant to the research project in question - quality of the thesis - communication and collaboration skills - personal qualities relevant to research work For further information on specific doctoral training, see the study plans for doctoral training in the Faculty of Engineering Information about the program Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties can be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment Luleå. Planned start date: February, 2025. For further information, please contact: Marta-Lena Antti, Professor, 0920-49 2093, marta-lena.antti@ltu.se Ilana Timokhina, Assistant Professor, 0920-49 2234, ilana.timokhina@ltu.se Trade union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: January 10, 2025 Reference number: 4044-2024