PhD student position in Structural Materials for Gen IV Nuclear Reactors

Reference number REF 2024-0478

We are looking for a PhD-student eager to contribute to the development of new nuclear power technologies. Structural metallic materials will be studied by applying advanced characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography, down to the atomic level. The project will be carried out as a part of a large research program dealing with various aspects of Generation IV systems.

Information about the division and the department
You will join the Division of Microstructure Physics at the Department of Physics. Our research is focused on understanding the links between processes, structure, properties and performance of engineering materials. For this purpose we employ electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and various scattering/diffraction techniques. The project deals with the development of coatings on nuclear fuel rods to provide more resilience in case of an accident. New coatings will be tested and analyzed in detail to understand the mechanisms leading to degradation.

Major responsibilities
The PhD-student will pursuit her/his own research in cooperation with the academic staff at Chalmers, and cooperate with partners at other Swedish universities. This includes carrying out experiments and data evaluation, and to report findings at project meetings and in scientific journal articles. The PhD-student will belong to a research school at Chalmers, and the goal is to present a PhD-thesis within four-five years.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
The candidate needs to have a Master degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry. Experience in microscopy and/or materials testing is appreciated. Knowledge and interest in nuclear technology is advantageous but not necessary.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240479 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.


Application deadline: 7 October, 2024

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Mattias Thuvander, Microstructure Physics,
mattias.thuvander@chalmers.se, +46 73 143 3709

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. 
With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.