Doctoral position in Solid Mechanics - multiscale modelling - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admission to Doctoral (Postgraduate) Studies in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialisation in Applied Mechanics (Solid Mechanics, multiscale modelling of hydrogen embrittlement)

at The Division of Applied Mechanics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboaratory

Join us!
At the Department of Materials Science, we work to find technical solutions in sustainability and energy and other things that improve living conditions for people. We have dedicated and knowledgeable employees who together lead research and development in a number of different areas. We have eight divisions at the institution. These are: solid state physics, medical technology, microsystems technology, nanotechnology and functional materials, solar cell technology, applied materials science, applied mechanics and Myfab - infrastructure for cleanroom-based research.

Meet some of our researchers here

At the Division of Applied Mechanics, we work with research in mechanics of materials with application primarily in the life sciences, materials and structure development and energy-related areas. The research conducted is often multidisciplinary and ranges from applied projects in collaboration with industry to fundamental academic research.

About the project
Hydrogen embrittlement refers to the scenario where hydrogen enters metallic materials, interact with the microstructure and degrade the mechanical properties. It poses a significant threat to the safety of engineering structures for hydrogen transport and storage.

You work in a joint Nordic hydrogen research project entitled “Material and Structural Integrity Assessment for Safe Nordic Hydrogen Transportation Infrastructure (MatHias)”. The project aims to facilitate the development of hydrogen transport pipelines in the so-called Nordic Hydrogen Valleys, by enhancing the understanding of hydrogen embrittlement in pipeline steels and providing guidance for material selection of the steels. The MatHias project consists of five work packages covering material testing and characterization, theoretical understanding of hydrogen embrittlement, as well as engineering applications. Our project partners include research performing organizations and industry companies in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Working in this project, you build up research competence in solid mechanics and materials science, gain comprehensive understanding of hydrogen embrittlement, and develop a research network with prominent scholars in the field and with industry, which is greatly beneficial for your future career.

Duties
The main duties for a doctoral student are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in the research project and third-cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time postgraduate education for four years.

Within your research, you develop theoretical models to interpret experimental data, and to unravel the underlying mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement in pipeline steels. The models are developed based on material testing and microstructural characterization data, e.g. EBSD and KAM maps, provided by a PhD student working in Finland; the models serve as a tool to calibrate input parameters for a large-scale engineering failure assessment model developed by another PhD student in Norway. This enables you to verify your theoretical models against experimental data and see their immediate application in engineering practice! You are expected to publish your research outcomes in scientific journals and present them at national/international conferences.

You utilize crystal plasticity and fracture mechanics theories to study hydrogen embrittlement at nano- and micro-scales.

• You implement a thermal-coupled and hydrogen-informed discrete dislocation dynamics model to study the influence of hydrogen on dislocation activities, and make comparison to TEM observations.
• You develop a continuum-level crystal plasticity finite element model to elucidate the influence of hydrogen on plasticity at micro-scale, and make comparison to EBSD data.
• You facilitate the development of predictive models for engineering failure assessment of hydrogen transport pipelines, by providing a micro-mechanical basis and identification of parameters.

Requirements
Master’s degree or equivalent, in the following areas: Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or other related areas.

Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Additional qualifications
Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and carry out work. You have good communication skills, where through this quality you cooperate well with others. You also have a good ability to write scientific and academic text.

Documented experience in one or several of the following will be considered a merit:

• knowledge of programming (e.g. matlab, python, fortran)
• continuum mechanics and fracture mechanics
• experience with finite element simulation
• journal or conference publication in related areas mentioned above
• knowledge of microstructural characterization (e.g. SEM, EBSD)

Your application must include
1) A short cover letter (max 1 page) in which you describe yourself, why you want to do a PhD and why you are suitable for this position.
2) CV (max 2 pages)
3) Certified copies of your master's and bachelor’s degrees and course transcripts.
4) Copies (or drafts) of the Title, Abstract and Introduction of your master's thesis and other documents, such as publications or certificates, that you wish to refer to.
5) Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have accepted to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 01-01-2024 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant Professor/Associate Senior Lecturer Haiyang Yu (haiyang.yu@angstrom.uu.se), Professor Kristofer Gamstedt (kristofer.gamstedt@angstrom.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 27 November 2023, UFV-PA 2023/3616.

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