PhD studentin In-situ neutron scattering for structural materials

Information about the research project
The project will be focused on developing and using in-situ neutron scattering techniques in order to study the microstructure evolution and deformation mechanisms in novel and traditional materials for high-temperature structural applications. The development of materials with improved temperature capability is a direct enabler for increasing the thermal efficiency of combustion processes for energy production or propulsion, as well as for more efficient manufacturing processes (less waste, longer tool life, more rapid processes, less energy consumption, etc.). Thereby, the research directly contributes to the transformation to a sustainable society. The work will be carried out in a cross-disciplinary environment, combining applied physics, materials science, advanced materials characterization and multi-scale modeling. The goal is to allow optimization of existing materials and processes, as well as development of new solutions based on emerging technologies, by creating a thorough understanding of the links between microstructure, processes and properties.

The project is a part of SwedNESS (Swedish Neutron Education for Science & Society), a new national graduate school for neutron scattering. The graduate school is funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) and operated by six Swedish universities: Chalmers, KTH, Linköping, Lund, Stockholm and Uppsala. The goal of SwedNESS is to educate doctoral students as a base for Sweden's expertise in neutron scattering with respect to the European Spallation Source (ESS). The school focuses on four disciplinary areas, "fundamental studies of chemical and physical phenomena", "functional materials", "engineering" (which will be the home of this project) and "life-science and its technology". The goal is to provide a path to involvement in the development of ESS, by gaining expertise in neutron scattering techniques though the use of existing neutron sources. SwedNESS will offer doctoral courses and summer schools in cooperation between the six universities. The school will stimulate networking between students and senior researchers, and interaction with ESS. The PhD students form a graduate student network to develop national, Nordic and international contacts.

Major responsibilities
You will be a part of the Division of Materials Microstructure at the Department of Physics. The major part of your time will be devoted to your research project, where you will be expected to plan and perform neutron scattering experiments, develop and utilize methods for data analysis, and carry out complementary microscopy and microanalysis studies and/or modeling in order to characterise the structure and behaviour of high-temperature structural materials under process/service-like conditions. You will work in a cross-disciplinary environment, and have large freedom to form your own research program within the scope of the project. Although the focus of the project is on neutron scattering experiments, theoretical and numerical modeling can be included depending on your skills, background and interest.

You will also be required to complete a course program (60 higher education credits), and participate in teaching activities and other duties at the Department of Physics (up to 20% of your time). Supervision of MSc students can also be a part of the work.

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 in materials science, physics or similar. You should have an interest in engineering materials, and good communication and collaborative skills. Experience of neutron or X-ray scattering, data analysis (Rietveld refinement or similar), mechanical properties,