PhD student position in X-ray-based in situ characterization of CVD coatings

Within the framework of the new national competence center NEXT, we are looking for a PhD student focused on developing methods based on synchrotron and laboratory X-ray diffraction for real-time in situ studies of thin films and coatings. You will be a part of a large cross-organizational environment focused on the use of X-rays and neutrons for the study of industrial materials and processes, and you will work in close collaboration with industrial partners to enable a future combination of competitiveness and sustainability. You will become an expert in state-of-the-art characterization using large scale facilities, while at the same time help addressing important societal challenges.

Information about the project and research environment
The Vinnova-funded competence center NEXT - Neutron and X-ray science for industrial technology transitions - comprises 24 partners: Chalmers, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Linköping University and a range of research institutes, large and small industrial partners and large scale facilities (synchrotrons and neutron sources). The goal of NEXT is to co-create materials innovations for enabling sustainable transitions in industry through the use of large-scale neutron and synchrotron infrastructures.

The specific project will be carried out in collaboration with industrial partners (Sandvik Coromant, Walter Tools and Seco Tools), and is focused on development and use of methods for time-resolved in situ high temperature measurement of stress development and phase transformations in wear-resistant coatings for cutting tool applications. The goal is to increase our understanding of the process-structure-property relationships in state-of-the-art coating systems synthesized by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), thereby accelerating the innovation cycle by enabling targeted data- and knowledge driven development.

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Microstructure Physics at the Department of Physics, a key partner in NEXT, where the research is dedicated to the application of advanced materials characterization techniques (such as X-ray/neutron scattering, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography) to understand and control the microstructure and properties of advanced engineering materials.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility will be to perform research towards your doctoral degree. The main tasks will be design and execution of experiments at large scale research facilities and in the home laboratory, development of analysis methods, evaluation and synthesis of the resulting data, and communication in writing and through conference presentations. You will work closely with both industrial partners and academic collaborators within and outside Chalmers, in particular within the NEXT competence center.

You will also be required to complete courses corresponding to one year of full-time studies within the graduate school of materials science, and additionally you may be involved in teaching and other departmental duties.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in physics (applied physics, engineering physics, materials physics, chemical physics), materials science, or an equivalent degree, with sound knowledge and interest in materials science. Theoretical and/or practical experience of scattering and diffraction, as well as programming skills (preferrably Python) are considered merits.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. If English or a Scandinavian language not your mother tongue, you need to provide documentation of good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test and/or exemplified during the interview process before admission.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240255 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 2024-05-19

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Magnus Hörnqvist Colliander, Microstructure Physics,
[email protected]

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12855&rmlang=UK