Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics focused on granular mechanics/dynamics (PA2023/3313)

Solid Mechanics was the first division established at LTH and is today a part of the Department of Construction Sciences. The division operates in an international environment and has contact with research organizations and companies both nationally and internationally. Today, the Division of Solid Mechanics consists of approximately 25 employees, of which around 15 are doctoral students. The working climate is open and welcoming and strives for every employee to be given the opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

The subject of Solid Mechanics deals with methods and principles to describe deformable bodies. Solid Mechanics is a foundational subject in mechanical engineering and of fundamental importance for many disciplines. The problems and questions that are dealt with in solid mechanics have clear relevance for industrial applications.

The research at the division of Solid Mechanics is particularly focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructural mechanics, structural optimisation and experimental methods.

The PhD project focuses on developing and exploiting advanced x-ray characterisation methods to study the mechanics of granular material including ultrafast dynamic processes. The project will explore inter- and intra-granular kinematics, strains and stresses using x-ray tomography and 3D x-ray diffraction, as well as dynamic processes at very high strain/propagation rates using advanced high-speed 2D and 3D x-ray imaging. Experiments will be developed and performed at our in-house x-ray tomography facility as well as at the nearby MAXIV synchrotron and at international synchrotron facilities such as the ESRF in Grenoble, France.
More about our in-house x-ray tomography facility 

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 work duties in the research project will include: 

• research into fundamental granular mechanics at the inter- and intra-granular scales and at very high strain rates;
• development of novel experiments using advanced x-ray methods including (ultra) high speed 2D and 3D x-ray imaging, 3D x-ray diffraction and x-ray tomography
• development of novel algorithms to analyse multi-scale and dynamic x-ray image data;
• running experimental campaigns, including at international synchrotron facilities;
• analysing experimental data and relating the results to theories/modelling.

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 Solid Mechanics if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in the field, including at least 45 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
• a MSc in engineering physics, engineering mathematics, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Good knowledge in physics and solid- or geo-mechanics
• Curiosity about research and teaching, in general, plus motivation for the particular research project
• Creativity with a good ability for cooperation and networking
• 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: 

Other assessment criteria:

• interest and experience in experimental methods
• knowledge of x-ray techniques, imaging methods (in particular tomography)
• interest and experience in image analysis/reconstruction and algorithm development
• experience in computer programming in Matlab®, python, C, or equivalent
• knowledge in the mechanics of granular/geo or other materials.

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. 

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.).

We welcome your application!