PhD position-Double degree– Green TRIBOS ESR 8

– experimental and numerical study of low-wear reinforced self-lubricating seals

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 Coimbra, Portugal 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. 

Project description ESR 8: Experimental and numerical study of low-wear reinforced self-lubricating seals

Objectives: To conduct a structural analysis of the current installation and to computationally study the polymer behavior. Characterization of the leakage and commercially available materials. To design novel, self-lubricated, reinforced polymer composites with low-friction and low-wear properties to minimize polymer seals´leakage in hydrogen applications.

Expected Results: The sealing integrity of a bearing system is a critical aspect that affects its performance and lifetime. Leakage affects the system’s performance, but also negatively affects the environment and costs. The need for minimized leakage and consequently preventing structural damage to internal components of a tribological system will be solved by:


• Characterization of non-linerar polymeric seal behavior and verification with different analytical models
• Determining the effect of lubrication conditions on sealing functionality and understanding seal deterioration over time
• Real-scale design and optimisation of materials and manufacturing tolerances with respect to sealing performance and durability 

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
You will have a top-class undergraduate degree and/or a Master degree, or equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science or Engineering or a relevant Physical Science in polymers, with research experience or an interest in polymer applications in energy sector and demanding applications area, Materials and/or nanotechnology, and the flexibility to travel throughout the EU. Experience/ knowledge in carbon based thermoplastic composites in hydrogen applications, material characterisation, polymer tribology is meriting.

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: 1247-2020