Doctoral (licentiat) student in incontinuous casting - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Engineering materials science

The demand for stainless steel is increasing at a rate of 5-6% per year worldwide. For Sweden, who owns a share of almost 60% of the world’s duplex stainless steel (DSS) production, this means a need of robust and cost-effective production process to meet the demands of their respective customers. One of the serious problems that occurs during production of DSS and which needs to be addressed is corner cracks during continuous casting, both transverse and longitudinal. They require costly grinding operations or, at worst, scrapping resulting in extra cost.

In this project the materials explanation for these phenomena will examine the resulting cast structure and correlating variations in crack behavior with variations in microstructure, composition and process parameters such as casting speed and cooling rate. To achieve this, the dendritic structure and composition variations resulting from segregation will be simulated by SWERIM with a state of the art phase field (PF) model to pinpoint the factors that control cracking. The results will be validated with laboratory experiments and plant trials in two different continuous casting plants. Finally, a set of guidelines will be developed based on simulations and experiments to achieve better process control during continuous casting, thereby reducing the risk of corner cracks.

The candidate will work in close cooperation with other researchers from SWERIM and industry companies. The candiate must be able to work as part of a research group. The project requires a substantial amount of experimental work followed by data analysis, which the candidate will be responsible for. A critical review of literature and data collected in the project will make up an essential part of the project. Motivation, creativity and analytic problem solving are important characteristics in a candidate.

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic international research environment in close cooperation with industries and advanced universities the world over.
• Life-long network through KTH's Alumni organization.
• A personal study plan to support your development within your areas of interest.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement.
• Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe´s fastest growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.

The Division of Processes at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering focuses on research on the development and optimization of processes with respect to cleanness, energy efficiency and environment

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

• ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
• ability to collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues,
• knowledge of materials science or materials engineering with specific knowledge in process metallurgy and casting is essential.  Experience of general laboratory practice and analysis techniques (microscopy, image analysis, etc.) is highly desirable.  However, full training on specialist equipment

Target degree: Licentiate degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

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For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.