Doctoral student in tolerant cast Al alloy development for durability

Welcome to the department of Materials and Manufacturing. We are a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment that advances state-of-the-art knowledge and fosters the development of highly skilled researchers and professionals. The department cooperates with various national and international research institutions and industrial partners and is engaged in basic and applied research projects. Co-production with industrial partners is a strong characteristic of our project portfolio, both with large companies and SMEs. 

As a doctoral student at Jönköping University, the working time is devoted primarily to doctoral studies. This includes studying doctoral courses, participating in scientific conferences, publishing scientific papers, writing a licentiate thesis and finally a doctoral dissertation. Up to 20% of the working time may be allocated for teaching and/or administrative work. 

This position is connected to a funded project (REACT) related to the design and durability testing of secondary cast Al alloys. The project aims at improving the durability and performance of recycled alloys and making them more tolerant to impurities and scrap mix sources. In this regard, alloy design strategies will be employed to control and minimize the effect of critical alloying elements coming from the scrap mixture and optimize the mechanical performance and durability of the secondary alloy in corrosive environments. Additionally, LCA and other sustainability metrics and criteria will be included in the selection of the alloy.

The project includes theoretical modeling based on thermodynamical calculations, physical metallurgy as well as a large experimental part that consists of preparing candidate alloy(s), characterize them from a microstructural point of view, and test them both mechanically and electrochemically.

The research will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at the school of engineering at Jönköping University as well as industrial project partners.

Working towards development of cast Al alloys that are tolerant to impurities is an essential step towards using 100% recycled materials in Al castings that are used for a range of applications, including automotive.

Requirements

General entry requirements for third-cycle studies is that you have been awarded a degree at second-cycle level, achieved at least 240 credits, of which a minimum of 60 credits must have been achieved at second cycle lever, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. 

You need to have:

• Good language (English) and communications skills (both orally and written)
• Be result-oriented, motivated and willing to work on allied research project in cooperation with Industry
• Be creative and eager to share knowledge via publication in reputed journals/conferences
• Knowledge of metallurgy
• Have basic knowledge in data statistical analyses
• Practical skills in materials characterization

It is meritorious if you:

• Have experience in specific material characterization techniques: metallic samples preparation, SEM, mechanical testing, microstructural analyses of Al alloys.
• Have experience with thermodynamically based simulation software
• Have corrosion and/or electrochemical knowledge
• Have practical experience with electrochemical tests
• Have experience working in an international team

We Offer you:

• A dynamic and truly international environment with strong industry connections.
  Professional growth through collaboration with top experts and real-world applications.      
• To be part of a team where your research matters - to help shape the future of sustainable aluminium alloys.
• Competitive salary and employment conditions, collective agreements applicable.

Information

The positions are full-time employments and starts as soon as possible within spring 2025 or as agreed upon. The employment as a doctoral student normally covers five years, of which four years (80%) consist of full-time studies. 

The employment is extended annually based on the individual study plan. The salary and other conditions are regulated according to collective agreements. You find more information about recruitment process, admission and conditions as doctoral student on our website.

Application

We look forward to receiving your application no later than 2025-01-31, including:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Attested certificates and diploma
• References
• A short proposal of the research activities related to this PhD position, based on the job description (max 2 pages)
• Summary of the master thesis (max 1 page)

The School of Engineering is one of four schools within Jönköping University. We offer attractive technical education at undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct advanced research in several technological areas. The School of Engineering award doctorates in area of industrial product realization. We collaborate with the surrounding society to develop new technology and spread knowledge to strengthen the competitiveness of companies. We have been awarded the accreditation "Engaged University" by the international organization ACEEU (Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities). Working with us, you are close to colleagues in an international environment with great opportunities to influence and develop.

Jönköping University is a modern institution, characterised by internationalisation and an entrepreneurial spirit. We attract highly qualified, inventive and enterprising people from all around the world. We develop new knowledge and share our expertise through solid collaborations with industry and business, the public sector and other higher education institutions. We offer an equal and inclusive workplace and we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds. For more information, visit www.ju.se