PhD student in Neutron scattering of refractory high entropy alloys

We are currently looking for a PhD student to join Chalmers and the national graduate school of neutron scattering (SwedNess) in order to work on a project focused on experimental studies of refractory high entropy alloys using in-situ neutron scattering. The graduate school aims at strengthening Sweden’s long-term competence and competitiveness within the area of neutron science by providing its students with research training and a foundation for networking. As part of SwedNess you will join a nationwide cross-disciplinary network of PhD students and researchers, all dedicated to research using neutron scattering as their main tool. You will have the opportunity to follow a dedicated course program focused on neutron scattering, ranging from fundamental theory to specific applications. More information about SwedNess can be found at: https://www.swedness.se/

Information about the research
High entropy alloys, HEAs, (also called compositionally complex alloys or multi-principal element alloys) are metallic materials with a large number of alloying elements in roughly equal proportions, and as such they possess many unique properties. Refractory HEAs (RHEAs) is a particular class of HEAs specifically designed for applications at very high temperatures, and as such they rely heavily on the thermal stability of the solid solution phase and the capability to retain mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. A key for successful development of such alloys is a fundamental understanding of the structure of the chemically complex material.

The topic of this project is development and application of in-situ neutron (and X-ray) scattering techniques for characterization and understanding of the lattice distortions and short range order in refractory high entropy alloys as a function of temperature, and ultimately their relationship to microstructure stability and mechanical properties. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Industrial and Materials Science (Division of Materials and Manufacture) and the Department of Physics (Division of Microstructure Physics) at Chalmers, Jönköping University, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, UK, and University of Cambridge. You will therefore be expected to spend extended periods of time at both ISIS and Cambridge during your studies.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility will be to perform research towards your doctoral degree. This work will consist of development and use of in-situ methods based on total scattering and diffraction of neutrons and X-rays for in-situ structural characterization of refractory high entropy alloys. The main tasks will be design and execution of experiments at large scale research facilities (neutron sources and synchrotrons), development of analysis methods, synthesis of the resulting data, and communication in writing and through conference presentations. You will have large freedom to explore the research area, and will therefore be expected to take large responsibility for driving the project, but you will have a team of specialists on both experimental and theoretical aspects to guide you along the way.

You will also be required to complete course work corresponding to one year of full-time studies, and take part in undergraduate teaching activities.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in physics (applied physics, engineering physics, materials physics, chemical physics), materials science, or an equivalent degree, with sound knowledge and interest in materials science. Theoretical and/or practical experience of scattering and diffraction is considered a merit.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. If English or a Scandinavian language not your mother tongue, you need to provide documentation of good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test and/or exemplified during the interview process before admission.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

PLEASE READ MORE AND APPLY HERE.

Application deadline: 31 July, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Sheng Guo,
Industrial and Materials Science,
sheng.guo@chalmers.se,
+46317721254

Dr. Magnus Hörnqvist Colliander,
Physics,
magnus.colliander@chalmers.se,
+46317723306

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***