PhD student in Wood and Bionanocomposites (MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS)

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. 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 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.The Division of Materials Science is part of the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, which is also responsible for the education in the graduate engineering programs for international Materials Technology, and Technical Physics. Within the Division, we have many ongoing projects related to sustainable materials. During the last decade, methods based on X-ray light imaging have grown in importance and we want to continue to grow in this area.

PRISMAS - PhD Research and Innovation in Synchrotron Methods and Applications in Sweden – is a new doctoral network training the next generation of 40 leading synchrotron experts and is co-funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND Programme.

As a PRISMAS PhD student, you will have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research in your field, taking advantage of state-of-the-art tools that will lead to attractive future job opportunities in academia or industry. Moreover, you are part of designing the future of synchrotron technology and instrumentation and using these to tackle some of the most significant global challenges the world faces today while acquiring interdisciplinary and intersectoral knowledge. Being part of the PRISMAS programme gives you the one-of-a-kind experience in form of a secondment at the world´s first 4th generation synchrotron, MAX IV in Lund, Sweden. With a tailored training programme, including courses to build scientific and technical competence as well as strengthen transferrable skills, PRISMAS provides you with the skills, knowledge and competence needed to successfully achieve your doctoral degree.

Project description
Spun filaments based on cellulose nanofibers are interesting for sustainable composites. These filaments have a unique microtape shape which is expected to be advantageous compared to traditional circular fibers. The aim of the project is to study how the spun filaments can function as structural reinforcement for polymers, and to understand how the unique structure of the nanofibres at different moisture levels and environments affects the mechanical properties. This is achieved by experimental studies with world-leading characterization techniques, such as in-situ (in-operando) WAXS and X-ray tomography at MAX IV, combined with modeling. As a PRISMAS PhD student, you will be supervised by a beamline researcher at MAX IV, giving you access to cutting-edge synchrotron technologies and instrumentation. You will spend three to twelve months at MAX IV and collaborate with our industrial partner Spinnova OY, Finland.

Duties
A PhD student position involves both theoretical and practical work. You will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You also study compulsory and voluntary doctoral courses. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try out the teaching role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects.

The training implies a secondment of 3-12 months at MAX IV laboratory in Lund, Sweden. Additional secondments and/or short stays may be arranged in agreement with the supervisor of the research project. Moreover, you will attend international conferences, participate in periodical project meetings and training schools as well as in specialised courses at different universities to complement your knowledge. A certain amount of travelling is foreseen in relation to these activities.

Qualifications
To comply with the mobility rule of the MSCA COFUND programme, you are eligible if you have not resided in Sweden for more than 12 months during the period 2020-10-30 to 2023-10-31 for work or studies as main occupation.

By the employment date (before 01/03/2024) you must have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, have been awarded a Master´s degree in Materials Technology, Technical Physics, Mechanical Engineering or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

Of these, at least 60 credits should be advanced level courses related to Materials Technology, Nanomaterials, Materials Mechanics, and/or Experimental Technology. Experience in multidimensional measurement technology and/or X-ray technology is advantageous. Applicants should also have a good command of spoken and written English.

Information
The position is a full-time, fixed term employment for four years, foreseen to start on 1/3/2024. Admission to the doctoral studies takes place at the respective University.

Place of employment: Luleå. The holders of these positions have a primary obligation to successfully fulfil their postgraduate (third cycle) education ending with a doctoral degree (PhD). A position as doctoral student can contain some limited teaching or other departmental work, the maximum amount of such work is 20%.

The MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS offers you outstanding opportunities as well as a stimulating and inspiring surrounding for performing cutting-edge research. By supporting your mobility, it creates perfect conditions for strengthening your international network.

For more information please contact: Kristiina Oksman, Kristiina.oksman@ltu.se

For complete vacancy announcement please visit ltu.se/openpositions