PhD student in laser cutting and welding of fuel cells

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Division of Product and Production Development at Luleå University of Technology wants to employ two PhD students who want to work with laser materials processing. We are searching for dedicated people interested in conducting advanced experimental and theoretical research to study manufacturing processes with laser beams, in frame of an international project with important industrial applications.

Subject description
The subject of Manufacturing Systems Engineering addresses the individual processes and techniques involved in the manufacture of entire systems for industrial production, as well as their design. An important area is laser materials processing.

Project description
You will participate in the Marie-Curie mobility project ‘Lasers4NetZero’ regarding the use of laser material processing. The focus at Luleå University of Technology is regarding laser cutting and welding of bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells. Further each of the employed PhD students will work on optimizing the material response to heat inputs and tailor material properties using different techniques: Ultra-fast processing and laser beam shaping. You will work in collaboration with the other PhD students from five partner universities within the project to define sensors, level of automation and conduct sustainability analysis.

Within the project, you will spend 6 months abroad at Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany (regarding process modelling) and carry out an internship at Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik GmbH, Germany (regarding system integration) or Powerphotonic Limited, UK (regarding beam shaping solutions). The mobility periods of each PhD-student are integral part of this EU funding scheme.

Duties
Your main tasks will be to perform experimental and theoretical research in the field of laser materials processing, which will be published in peer-reviewed international journals and at major national and international conferences, finally collected and condensed in a PhD-thesis, to be defended. For graduation as doctor, courses of 60 credits need to be passed.

Qualifications
To be eligible for employment as PhD student you must have a master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar technical subject. Strong interest, curiosity and passion for research are prerequisites along with personal qualities relevant for the postgraduate education, such as presentation skills, communication skills and analytical thinking ability. A high level of written and spoken English is expected. Foreign candidates are also expected to show initiative and learn Swedish to a certain extent. A continued academic career at Luleå University of Technology is a possible opportunity for further development.

For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years at Luleå University of Technology with placement at Luleå, Sweden (as well as Germany/UK during periods of mobility). Preferred starting date: 1st November 2024 or earlier as agreed upon.

We welcome candidates of all nationalities, but due to the project requirements you are not eligible if you have resided in Sweden or carried out your main activity (work, studies etc.) here for more than twelve months during the last three years (October 2021-September 2024).

For further information about the position, please contact Himani Naesstroem, +46 920 493913, [email protected].

Read more about the research subject on our website and on LinkedIn .

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson +46 920 491529 [email protected]
OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 920 491792 [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: May 31, 2024
Reference number: 1807-2024

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