PhD student in Materials Engineering

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.

As a PhD student, you belong to a research group in a dynamic and international research environment in close collaboration with industry and prominent universities worldwide. The research subject engineering materials has ongoing research that covers broad research areas within metallic and ceramic materials. We belong to the department of materials science, which is part of the department of engineering sciences and mathematics.

Subject description
Engineering materials includes the composition, structure, properties and production of materials, mainly metallic and ceramic materials, as well as aspects of their use.

Project description
The project, Green steel for a fossil free future, is an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Just Transition Fund and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. The project contributes to the green transition and a carbon dioxide-neutral steel industry through research efforts in collaboration between Luleå University of Technology and Royal Institute of Technology. The research activities are focused on both the process chain downstream from steelmaking and deal with fossil-free steel properties and performance, as well as fossil-free steelmaking with a focus on using hydrogen and new alloying elements.

As a doctoral student in the Green steel for a fossil free future project, you will work in an interdisciplinary research environment, in close collaboration with research institutes and industry, and contribute to the steel industry's transition towards carbon neutrality.

The aim of this project is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify where in the steel’s material value chain the greatest environmental impact lies. The assessment can be used as a tool to systematically identify the process changes that contribute to a reduced environmental impact. Examples of results from such an analysis could be how the carbon footprint is affected by minimizing the number of times the steel is heated in the metal working process, or how the hydrogen content in the steel affects the properties of the green steel or how alloy additions are made and are added as well as their effect on the subsequent processes.

Duties
This doctoral position includes both theoretical and experimental work. An important part will be to build a framework for applying LCA to the processes in the material value chain. This includes close and continuous communication with all project partners to identify and map how we can work to reduce environmental impact using LCA as a tool. Furthermore, it means problematizing about how the tool can be applied as well as its limitations and opportunities within sustainable development. Another important part of the project is the understanding of the steel’s material value chain and its critical processes.

A doctoral position also involves practice in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at international conferences. A doctoral student also takes compulsory and voluntary doctoral courses. Project planning and execution under own responsibility is also included as an important part of the doctoral project. In addition, you have the opportunity to be involved in teaching.

Qualifications
We are looking for you with a master’s degree in materials science, environmental science with a focus on sustainable development or equivalent. Experience of applied life cycle assessment is advantageous.

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic candidates with the ability to conduct leading research and being able to work independently as well as in group. You must have very good communication skills and be fluent in spoken and written English.

During evaluation, special emphasis is placed on:

• Knowledge and experience relevant to the current research project
• Quality of Master thesis
• Personal characteristics relevant to research work

Information
Employment as a doctoral student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties can add up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment is Luleå. Intended entry in spring 2024.

For further information, you are welcome to contact:
Pia Åkerfeldt, Senior Lecturer (+46)920–491770 [email protected]
Linn Berglund, Associate Senior Lecturer (+46)920–493381 [email protected]  

Union representative:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson, (+46)920-49 1529 [email protected]
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected]

Application
We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter as well as a CV/curriculum vitae and copies of verified diplomas and thesis. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: 10 January 2024
Reference number: 4602-2023

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