Doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering with focus on modelling material behaviour at nanoscale (PA2023/2671)

The position is located at the Division of Mechanics, Materials and Component Design (MMK) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University. The work will be carried out within the research group of Mechanics in collaboration with universities and companies. The position will also have a connection to NanoLund and to the LTH profile area Nanoscience and semiconductors. The doctoral student will be part of the group in mechanics of materials, which consists of 10 people.

The research subject Mechanical Engineering Sciences includes theoretical, experimental and applied mechanical science in the broadest sense with a focus on long-term sustainability. The current position will mainly focus mechanics of materials. Mechanics of Materials concerns the material- and structure-specific response in different thermomechanical load situations. Specifically, the focus is on modeling materials at the atomistic level through atomic and ab initio simulations. The modeling is based on and verified through experimental observations.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The research is focused on computer-based modeling of materials at the atomistic level. The work will be carried out both individually and in collaboration with other researchers and doctoral students both nationally and internationally.

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Mechanical Engineering Sciences if the applicant has:

• at least 90 credits with relevance to the subject area, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• advanced level degree in a relevant subject area such as Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Nanoscience or corresponding.

Finally, it is required that the student is assessed to have the ability needed to pass the education. The board of Faculty of Engineering can give exeption from the eligibility requirements.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience in numerical modeling
• Experience in computer programming

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!