PhD student position: Defect Mechanics in Lattice Materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Engineering Sciences is one of the largest institutions at Uppsala University and conducts research within a number of different technical subjects. The department has approximately 360 employees and has its activities at the Ångström Laboratory and Campus Gotland.

This PhD student position belongs to the research group that is established by a starting grant from the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet-VR). The group is a part of the Division of Applied Mechanics of the Ångström Laboratory. Within this Division, we investigate material mechanics and solid mechanics with application areas within e.g. building technology, packaging materials, biomechanics, energy conversion, and aviation technology. The research conducted is often multidisciplinary with both experiments and modeling, and ranges from applied projects in close cooperation with industry to academic basic research. A doctoral degree in the subject guarantees exciting future opportunities both in academia and industry, nationally and internationally.

Project description: The project of this PhD position addresses the defect mechanics of lattice materials. Analytical, computational as well as experimental methods will be used to analyze imperfect lattice materials. The generalized continua will be employed for modeling the material while for mechanical testing, perfect and imperfect lattices will be manufactured by 3D printing.

Lattice materials are formed by periodic arrangement of open building unit cells according which one can classify the material. Depending on the geometry and connectivity, the dominant mechanism of a lattice material can be stretching or bending. These materials have a considerable potential for the application in lightweight technologies for automotive and aerospace industries as well as bone-replacement biomaterials while, currently, the lack of understanding their behavior in the presence of simple and complex defects is limiting their application.

The PhD project will be led by Dr. Mahmoud Mousavi, where a generalized continuum mechanics is used to study and engineer the defects in materials with internal architecture.

Duties: The main duties of the doctoral student is to carry out the above-mentioned research project and take courses on the advance level (third cycle courses) which supports the doctoral studies related to the project. The duties will also include teaching and other relevant departmental activities (no more than 20 %).

Requirements: The candidate is expected to have a Master of Science in Engineering with specialization in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Engineering Physics or equivalent. In particular, a strong background is required in the fields of Solid Mechanics, Continuum Mechanics, and Finite Element Analysis. Experience in mechanical testing is also desirable.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required. Knowledge of the Swedish language is desirable but not a requirement.

Good time management and planning skills, ability for independent as well as team work are additional meriting factors for this position. The environment encourages and expects motivation and commitment to both individual and group’s continuous professional development.

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Application: Please use the link below. You should include a brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents (e.g. attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, such as language test results.). You are encouraged to provide contact information of at least two reference persons.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
 
Starting date: To be negotiated, as soon as possible during 2019.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: Full time (100 %) temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

For further information about the position please contact: Associate Professor Mahmoud Mousavi (mahmoud.mousavi@angstrom.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 30 August 2019, UFV-PA 2019/2600.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.