Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on biocomposites - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Solid Mechanics

In solid mechanics, basic research is conducted in generic fields and this knowledge base is then used in applied research to develop methods for reliable design of structures, materials and processes. The applied research focuses on various aspects of biomechanics, composite mechanics, contact mechanics, fracture mechanics, fatigue and reliabiltiy, material mechanics and paper mechanics.

We are now looking for a doctoral student for the project "Cellulose Biocomposites". The project will study how the mechanical properties of fiber-fiber joints affect the mechanical properties of the material and the breaking properties of wood fiber biocomposites with high volume proportion of fibers. This will be done by experimentally and numerically study how different types of fiber modifications affect both individual joints and the composite. The research tasks will include development of methods for testing individual fiber-fiber joints, modeling of deformation and damage mechanism of joints, and multi-scale analysis of biocomposites using the finite element method and advanced experimental methods based on the determination of two- and three-dimensional strain fields.

New eco-friendly materials and products are important ingredients when we strive for sustainable development. The "Cellulose Biocomposites" project is a multidisciplinary effort exploring new opportunities for nanostructured cellulose materials. Participating universities include KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg and Luleå Univiversity of Technology. Funding is from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and an additional 3 industrial PhD-student projects are funded by Stora Enso. The goals are new material concepts and new knowledge towards better performance, new functionalities and improved eco-friendly attributes. The project is directed by Prof Lars Berglund at Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, KTH; blund@kth.se.

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.

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 in vehicle engineering, engineering physics, mechanical engineering, material science or corresponding degree at advanced level or corresponding,
• 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
• analyse and work with complex issues,
• ability to communicate in English,
• ability to use modern mathematical analysis methods, e.g. FEM,
• programming skills,
• ability to work interdisciplinary,
• ability to work as an teaching and laboratory assistant and to present research results in different contexts.

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