Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 students.
In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.
Subject description
You will work at the Division of Machine Element, expertise and state of the art laboratory facilities to offer a broad interdisciplinary doctoral training education. Tribology is the main research focus at the Division of Machine Elements. The group is one of the largest tribology research groups in Europe with about 35 staff members (including 8 professors and 2 associate professors).
Project description
You will work on a collaborative and exciting research project together Swedish Olympic Committee (SOC), Swedish Cross-country Ski Association (SSF), Swedish Biathlon Federation (SSSF) and Ski manufacturer. The research project will focus on following: (i) design and processing series of UHMWPE family (or other selected polymer matrices)-nano composites; (ii) Wettability, thermal characterization and tribological characterizations of the newly developed polymeric based materials; (iii) manufacturing of ski-base prototype from top performing experimental polymeric based materials; (iv) effect of parameters such as material content, surface roughness, hand texture and fluorocarbon free waxes on newly developed competitive ski set will be investigated in natural condition.
Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within the research studies as well as communicate your results in scientific journals and at national and international conferences. As a PhD student, you will have a fantastic opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects and create experiences and skills in the field of polymer and polymer composites tribology, processing and properties of newly developed materials. In this project we have two important part, one is development of hydrophobic ski-base and the other is development of competitive ski prototypes and evaluate the effect of other parameters such as, surface roughness, hand texturing, waxes, snow and humidity on the new material.
Qualifications
You must have a master’s degree, or equivalent, in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Chemistry or a relevant topic with focus on polymers and polymer composites. It is a merit if you have research experience and you must be interested in Tribology, materials and/or polymer processing extrusion
The project is experimental in nature and experience in some of the following methodologies is highly desirable:
– Processing: compounding extrusion
– carbon based and ceramic nano particles and 2D materials.
– Analysis techniques: x-ray analysis, different microscopy techniques (scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy), tribological and mechanical testing including analysing results.
Great interest for thermoplastic-nanomaterials and their characterisation is of importance.
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates, capable of conducting state-of-the-art research and who can work independently as well as in teams. The candidate must have good oral and written communication skills and be fluent in English.
For the evaluation of candidates, special emphasis is put on the following:
– Knowledge and skills relevant for the project
– Quality of MSc thesis
– Personal skills relevant for research
For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology.
Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå.
For further information please contact Professor Nazanin Emami (scientific leader and main supervisor for this project), +46 (0)920-49 1939, nazanin.emami@ltu.se.
For general question about the Division of Machine Element, contact professor Jens Hardell jens.hardell@ltu.se
Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se
In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.
Closing date for applications: 15th August, 2022
Reference number: 2508-2022