Postdoc in Microstructural analysis of hard CVD coatings by electron

The Division of Microstructure Physics at the Department of Physics is looking for a post-doc experienced in electron microscopy. You will have the opportunity to work on an industrially focused project with strong links to basic materials science. In particular, we seek a candidate with experience in using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopes (FIB/SEMs) for specimen preparation and analysis, and advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with a focus on high resolution imaging and spectroscopy (Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS)).

Project description
This project is a collaboration between academia and industry. Novel hard nano-structured TiAlN coatings will be deposited on cemented carbide cutting tool inserts by Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). The aim of the project is to build a fundamental understanding that can be used for developing these coatings in order to make it possible to machine difficult-to-cut materials, such as Ni-base and super-duplex stainless steels, which today is very hard and challenging. Advanced characterization, including state-of-the-art scanning transmission electron microscopy, will be carried out to reveal the complex microstructure of these self-organizing, metastable nanolamellae coatings.

Information about the division and the department
The research at the Division of Microstructure Physics is focused on understanding the links between the process, structure, properties and performance of engineering materials. For this purpose we employ electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and various neutron and synchrotron scattering/diffraction techniques.

Major responsibilities
You will mainly work with advanced (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM/TEM), in combination with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). Site-specific thin (< 100 nm) foil samples to be investigated by TEM will be produced by the lift-out technique in a Focused Ion Beam/SEM (FIB/SEM) instrument.

You will take the main responsibility for planning and performing experiments, analysing the resulting data, reporting to collaborative partners and for taking the lead on publishing and disseminating the work. We also think that your skills and personality will allow you to support other activities in the division where your involvement would be suitable.

The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of post-doc, you must have a degree in Materials Science, Physics or similar. The degree should not have been awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Previous experience of specimen preparation, performing electron microscopy experiments, treating and analysing the resulting data is required.

Very good communication and collaborative skills are required, including excellent oral and written reporting in English. Swedish is not a requirement, but Chalmers offers Swedish courses. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220636 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: January 1st, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Professor Mats Halvarsson, Microstructure Physics
Email: mats.halvarsson@chalmers.se
Tel: +46-31-7723398

*** 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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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!