PhD student position in advanced powder metallurgical materials by MIM

The department of Materials and Manufacturing Technology consists of six research groups. The research activities span from basic research on nanostructural materials to product- and process related issues within materials and manufacturing technology.

The research is carried out in close collaboration with national and international industries and universities. Our graduate as well as undergraduate education is organized in a wide range of courses, we are involved in four masters’ programmes and three graduate schools.


Information about the research and the project
Materials play a vital role in our modern society and the development of new technological solutions requires knowledge on different classes of materials, their properties, structure, and manufacturing processes. Among the research activities of the Surface and Microstructure Engineering Group, dedicated research on the development of powder metallurgical materials is a key activity. This research area involves the application of advanced materials and characterization to understand the development of surface properties and microstructure in different stages of the processing of these materials. The group has access to a strong characterization facility including techniques analytical electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and surface analysis techniques (AES and XPS), in combination with all necessary complementary techniques (XRD, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, etc.). We are performing both basic and applied research, and materials investigated include both structural and functional materials.

The work we are performing is interdisciplinary by nature, and the Group is closely collaborating with other universities and industries, both nationally and internationally.??

Major responsibilities
Metal injection moulding (MIM) is a unique way of creating net-shape parts in advanced metals. The technique involves forming, debinding and sintering stages. Classically, fine metal is used to enhance the sintering. The scientific challenge is to understand how surface chemistry of the powder and sintering mechanisms will affect the sintering of the powder into near full density. Fundamental understanding how new powder grades would behave in sintering and how the sintering process controls the final microstructure and properties is essential part of the work. The work will be performed in close co-operation with the world leading powder manufacturer Höganäs AB.

A PhD student at Chalmers is supposed to work with different material characterization techniques to reveal and explain the processing-structure-property relationships. At Chalmers, you will work in the Surface and Microstructure Engineering Group and you will be enrolled in the graduate school of Materials Science. ?The majority of the working time will be dedicated to research within the project and to courses required for obtaining the PhD. The remaining time (10-15%) will be devoted to mainly teaching activities. The candidate is expected to obtain a PhD degree in about 4.5 years.?

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

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent candidate with MSc degree awarded by an internationally recognized university in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry or relevant subjects. Experience and good knowledge in characterization techniques are considered as advantages. Interest and curiosity in the subject as well as good analytical skills are required. Good communicative and collaborative skills are required; the applicant is also expected to be proficient in both verbal and written English. Knowledge in written and spoken Swedish is considered an advantage. Chalmers offers Swedish courses. To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field. 

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

Application deadline: 2015-05-07

For questions, please contact:
Professor Lars Nyborg?
E-mail: lars.nyborg@chalmers.se?
Phone: +46 31 772 1257


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



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!