Postdoc in material characterization of heterogeneous structure-property relations

Job description

At the Department of Materials Science and Engineering we are offering a postdoctoral researcher position for microstructural characterization and structure-property correlation in heterogeneous microstructures. The heterogeneous microstructures developed in novel materials or by novel processing routes (e.g., scrap-cast structures with segregation, sintering of functionally gradient material or additively manufactured materials) can offer exceptional properties compared to what is observed in more traditional homogeneous microstructures. Heterostructured metal alloys and composites are characterized by distinct microstructural constituents with significantly different mechanical and physical properties. The macro mechanical properties of these materials depend on the combination of properties and interaction of these heterogeneous zones on a microscopic level. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the interaction of these zones under mechanical loading, and evolution of local micro/macro-stresses and strains within microconstituents and phase/grain boundaries in the heterogeneous microstructure is crucial. This knowledge can lead to the design of new materials with exceptional performance for load-bearing applications.

To achieve this, the position will mainly focus on developing and implementing methodologies for microstructural and mechanical characterization of heterogeneous materials under static and cyclic loading. Furthermore, these methods will be implemented to study and understand structure-property relationships for sustainable metallic materials and support the development of numerical models.

The position should be interesting for researchers in experimental materials science and engineering wanting to expand their capabilities in the field of mechanical metallurgy and microstructural characterization. In addition, the postdoc will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through close collaboration in several interesting projects involving industries and large-scale infrastructures.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). 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

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School https://wise-materials.org/graduate-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.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH
• An opportunity and support to develop expertise via access to a broad range of advanced materials characterization instruments at Hultgren laboratory and large-scale infrastructures

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research experience in microstructural characterization e.g., SEM, TEM, EBSD and characterization of mechanical behavior of metallic materials, e.g. macro/micro- tensile testing, in-situ micromechanical testing, etc., proven by a track record of high impact journal publications and international conference presentations.
• The ability to express yourself very well in English, spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• You work with independence, are self-motivated with a strong ability to take initiative and run projects.
• You have well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and like to take responsibility. You have strong collaboration skills including the ability to lead and to support research.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Knowledge and experience in microstructural modelling or micro-mechanical modelling, e.g., Cellular Automata, CPFEM, etc., is highly meritorious.
• Experience with dual beam (FIB-SEM) systems, is preferred.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• Teaching abilities.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here