Postdoctoral positions in Solid Mechanics in X-ray microtomography and 3D material analysis (PA2023/3609)

The project is a collaboration between the division of Sold Mechanics at Lund University and MAXIV.

The division of Sold Mechanics was the first division to be established at the Faculty of Engineering and is today part of the department of Construction Sciences. The research at the division is focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructural mechanics, structure optimization and experimental methods. The division has a strong activity in X-ray and neutron methods for materials research. Today, the division consists of approximately 25 employees, of which approximately 15 are doctoral students. The division operates in an international environment and collaborates with research organizations and companies both nationally and internationally.

The MAXIV synchrotron is a world-leading facility for materials research located in Lund. There are currently three beamlines offering X-ray tomography (NanoMax, ForMAX and DanMAX). The project will also be part of the collaborative project "QIM", with MAXIV, the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Copenhagen, focused on quantitative analysis of 3D and 4D image data and to support researchers in extracting information from their tomography images.

More about the MAXIV synchrotron – www.maxiv.lu.se
More about the collaborative project "QIM" – www.qim.dk

The postdoctoral positions will be within the STIMULI project funded by the Swedish Research Council. The project has been established to support and develop the exploitation of tomography at the MAXIV synchrotron from planning and preparation to execution and data analysis of tomography experiments. You will carry out research and development activities in connection with the project's goals. You will also collaborate with users of tomography at MAXIV to explore the microstructure and processes of a variety of materials for research in areas including food science, materials science, geoscience, environmental science and energy research. You will be employed at the division of Solid Mechanics at Lund University and will work both at the division and at MAXIV (located nearby in Lund), as needed, as well as collaborate with partners in the QIM project.

The positions will primarily include research supporting the use of X-ray tomography at MAXIV and related 3D/4D image analysis. The duties will involve interacting and collaborating with users of tomography at MAXIV, e.g. working with them to plan experiments, providing supporting measurements at the 4D Imaging Lab and a significant part of the work will involve 3D/4D image analysis after tomography experiments. The duties include actively participating in interaction with external stakeholders, both within and outside the academy, to further develop the tomography community around MAXIV. It is also envisaged that the project will establish a software 'platform' for tomography data analysis on the MAXIV or LUNARC HPC systems and helping to establish this platform may be part of the tasks. Development of own research is encouraged, preferably in line with the research at the division and the aims of the STIMULI project and the exploitation/development of tomography or image analysis techniques or material-related research. It is also possible to travel to conduct experiments at other international facilities.

3 positions are available, which, together, cover the following aspects:

• development of a software platform to facilitate visualisation and quantification of tomography data (3D/4D image analysis);
• collaboration with MAXIV tomography beamline researchers and users for experiment development, tomography reconstruction and data analysis;
• develop, integrate, facilitate and support sample environments for 4D tomography experiments and their analysis;
• training/teaching in X-ray tomography and 3D/4D image analysis;
• research that utilizes X-ray tomography or develops 3D/4D image analysis.

The main duties in a post-doctoral position involve conducting research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Other requirements:

• very good knowledge of English, in speech and writing;
• significant practical experience in X-ray tomography for materials research and 3D/4D image analysis;
• knowledge and experience in programming (python, Matlab or other language relevant to image analysis);
• ability to work both independently and in teams with other researchers and research groups;
• very good communication skills.

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• ability to develop and carry out research of good quality;
• pedagogical ability.

Other qualifications:

The following aspects will be considered as additional merits:

• experience in laboratory and synchrotron X-ray tomography;
• experience with 4D (in-situ/operando) X-ray tomography experiments;
• experience in developing data analysis algorithms;
• experience using 3D image analysis software for material analysis;
• knowledge of tomographic reconstruction methods;
• experience in education/teaching;
• experience in developing external collaborations and collaborative work.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Lund University is a public authority, which means that employees get special benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. More specifically, you will be part of a dynamic, international team involved in experimental methods and 3D imaging at the division of Solid Mechanics. You will also be part of the strong international research environment at MAXIV and play a key role in developing the tomography user community around the facility.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University .

We intend to employ 1 - 3 postdoctoral researchers. This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV (including list of publications) and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

We welcome your application!