PhD position-Double degree– Green TRIBOS ESR 5

– Tribological performance of NCC-GO polymer composites

Early stage researcher within Marie Skłodowska-Curie Joint European Doctorate (EJD) Training Network

Double degree PhD position at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden in collaboration with University of Ljubljana, Slovenia as a part of European Doctorate (EJD) Training Network – Green TRIBOS

Are you a rising star in the field of tribology, engineering materials or material science? Would you like to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies to impact on a green revolution in lubrication, friction and wear? Do you want to further your career and attain a PhD in one of the Sweden’s leading research intensive universities?

You will join a recently funded Innovative Training Network/European Joint Doctorate (ETN/EJD) GreenTRIBOS. GreenTRIBOS offers high-level doctoral training to a total of 12 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs).  Three of you will be primarily based at and employed by Luleå University of Technology You will receive dual degrees with the Universities of Leeds/Coimbra/Ljubljana. GreenTRIBOS project coordinator is Prof Mitjan Kalin at the University of Ljubljana. 

ESR 5: Tribological performance of NCC-GO polymer composites

Objectives: To investigate the potential of Nano Crystal Cellulose (NCC) and graphene-oxide (GO) composites in tribological contacts. To process and manufacture low-wear NCC+GO composites. To understand the effects of different manufacturing process and materials design on the durability of the developed composite. To understand the effect of aging and end life cycle of the NCC nano-composites.
Expected Results: In order to develop the low-wear NCC polymer composite for tribological applications, it will be necessary to introduce nano-crystalline particles as a reinforcement/additive in composites. This will improve the durability and the mechanical performance. However, first, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms and functional use of NCC and GO with a self-lubrication ability in tribological applications. The results of this study will contribute to the:


• Development of green, multiphase, polymer composites for tribological applications
• Influence of various additive/reinforcement on the design of durable low-friction and wear components
• Understanding the real-scale mechanisms involved in solid-lubrication properties of NCC+GO to reduce wear as coating materials

Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics at LTU: has knowledge, expertise and state of the art laboratory facilities to offer a broad interdisciplinary doctoral training education. Tribology is the main research focus at the Division of Machine Elements. The group is one of the largest tribology research groups in Europe with about 35 staff members (including 8 professors and 2 associate professors). This position belongs to the research subject Machine Elements.

Qualifications: Applicants should have 300 credits in polymer engineering, natural based composite materials, mechanical engineering, or equivalent of which 60 credits at the advanced level with several courses linked to polymeric composite materials and mechanical engineering, nanotechnology and cellulose based materials. Applicants should also have a good knowledge of both spoken and written English. Knowledge in manufacturing of thermoplastic bio based composites for loadbearing applications, material characterisation, polymer tribology and polymer Nano Crystal Cellulose based composites is a merit. We value diversity, so candidates belonging to minorities are also very much encouraged to apply. 

Important eligibility rules for this position 
There are no restrictions on the nationality, but


• Applicants must, at the time of recruitment, have not yet been awarded a doctorate degree and be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date that you obtained the degree which would entitle you to embark on a PhD.
• At the time of recruitment, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc...) in the SWEDEN for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment under the GreenTRIBOS project. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. 

Salary
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher living allowance is fixed at 632 025 SEK per annum including the mobility allowance. This figure is before employer’s and employee’s deductions for national insurance and taxes per year, which will be paid in Swedish korna using an appropriate conversion rate.

Information
For general inquiries about position and LTU, please contact Professor Nazanin Emami (responsible for the project), Tel: +46 920 491939, e-mail: nazanin.emami@ltu.se Division of Machine Elements, www.ltu.se/tfm/me

Union representatives: SACO-S Christer Gardelli, (+46)920-49 1809 Christer.Gardelli@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

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. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Final day to apply: 15 May 2020
Reference number: 1246-2020