Post-doctoral researcher in nano-tribology

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Faculty of Health, Science and Technology invites applications for a Post-doctoral researcher in nano-tribology

The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology is now recruiting a post-doctorate researcher in materials science and engineering.

The post-doc is dedicated to nano-tribology with particular focus on atomistic modeling. The research project is part of the recently formed research group Characterization and Modeling of Materials, (CMM) at Karlstad University. Within CMM, research is conducted on a wide range of materials, including advanced steels used for demanding tribological applications.

Research description and work tasks 
An important aspect of the tribological research at Karlstad University is to study the influence of microstructure on the interaction between surfaces in contact. Advanced steels have a relatively high amount of primary precipitates with a typical size in the micron and sub-micron scales. Key areas of our research focus on the understanding of tribological phenomena such as friction and wear in dependence of precipitate type, as this significantly influences the tribological response on a macroscopic scale. To understand the governing mechanisms and to be able to predict the response of a particular system, atomistic modeling is an important complement to experimental methods.

Atomistic calculations of selected model systems will be performed to gain insight in controlling conditions of particularly adhesive contacts between advanced steel microstructures and sheet metals. Here, relevant key words are metal solid phases, chemical composition, adhesion, temperature, friction and wear. As well, experimental work well suited to verify the calculations are such as characterization using electron microscopy (TEM, SEM and EBSD) and studies of nano- and microscale tribological properties using scanning probe techniques (AFM and FFM). The tribological properties of the selected material pairs are well documented on the macroscale. Publication of scientific articles and generation of research applications are also essential parts of the post-doc work.

Eligibility
Eligibility for this post-doc position requires a doctoral degree in physics or materials science and engineering, not older than 3 years, counted from the application deadline date. Older qualifications may be considered if there are special circumstances such as parental leave or disease.

Terms
The position is for full-time employment, with a minimum of 80 % for research, and a maximum of 20 % for other duties at the university (e.g. teaching). The position is placed at the Department of Engineering and Physics with starting date subject to agreement (earliest starting date 1 September 2014). The duration of the position is limited to a maximum of two years.

Grounds of assesment
Candidates are assessed individually, based on their merits and relevance to atomistic modeling of tribological contacts. Experience of atomistic modeling is a requirement with a priority to experience of atomistic calculations of metallic materials. Experience of electron microscopy and scanning probe techniques are valuable. The candidates should have good and documented knowledge in English and display a high degree of social competence. Contacts to, or own experiences, within the industry are seen positively.

Application should be submitted electronically via the Karlstad University web-based recruitment tool, MyNetwork, with uploaded attachments. A link to MyNetwork is available at http://www.kau.se/om-universitetet/lediga-anstallningar

Application
Application should be submitted electronically via the Karlstad University web-based recruitment tool, MyNetwork, with uploaded attachments. A link to MyNetwork is available at http://www.kau.se/om-universitetet/lediga-anstallningar

The application should include the following items:

- Personal letter (describing yourself and stating the reasons for your application)
- CV with verified copies of degrees, certificates, etc.
- List of completed courses with grades and dates
- List of publications
- Copy of degree projects and other publications or a link to electronic versions
- Any other documents submitted for consideration
- Reference contact information (at least two) or letter of reference

Non-electronic documents (state registration number REK2014/61) can be addressed to:

Karlstad University
Human Resourches Office
651 88 Karlstad,  SWEDEN

We look forward to your application by 31 July 2014, at the latest.

More information

Dr. Anders Gåård, e-mail: anders.gaard@kau.se Phone +46 (0)54-700 1262

Head of department, Kjell Magnusson, e-mail: kjell.magnusson@kau.se, Phone + 46 (0)54-700 1215