PhD student position in materials characterization of superalloys

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/the project/the division
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. Our research activities (Surface and Microstructure Engineering Group) focus on materials characterization using 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
Improvement in the surface integrity is a key objective for further weight reduction in the development of aero-engines. Since the trend is to produce more thin-walled components, the remaining material must be flawless in order to withstand load and fatigue during its service life. Fundamental understanding of relationships between surface integrity aspects such as microstructure, depth of deformation, creation of white layer, etc., and thermal-mechanical process properties is a necessity. Chalmers and University West have therefore initiated a co-operation to perform interdisciplinary research in form of a twin PhD project to investigate the next generation of superalloys used in high-performance aerospace engines. GKN Aerospace Systems, Sweden AB will be involved as industrial partner. While machining aspects will be in focus at University West (see advertisement https://hv.mynetworkglobal.com/what:job/jobID:31955/where:4/), the PhD student at Chalmers is supposed to work with different material characterization techniques to reveal and explain the processing-structure-property relation of the respective material. 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 or relevant subjects. Experience and good knowledge in microstructural characterization and mechanical testing of metallic materials are considered as advantages. An 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.

Application deadline: 2014-03-11

For questions, please contact:
Professor Uta Klement
E-mail: uta.klement@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 1264



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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!