PhD student in advanced composite materials

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Your work assignments

We are looking for a driven PhD student at Linköping University (LiU) in the field of advanced fibre reinforced polymer composite materials. The PhD student will investigate manufacturing defects and develop tools and progressive damage models to quantify their effects on the mechanical performance for lighter aeroengines application. The PhD is in collaboration with GKN Aerospace Sweden AB with supervision shared between LiU and GKN Aerospace. The project aims to support the development of future, lighter aero engines, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of air travel.

The PhD student will explore how manufacturing parameters affect the generation and density of defects in composite laminates. The impact of these defects on mechanical performance and damage propagation will be investigated. The PhD student will also develop methodologies to predict the mechanical performance of damaged composite laminates. This research will make the PhD student a future expert in the characterization of damage in advanced composites for high-performance applications, with knowledge in manufacturing, classical laminate theory, and advanced modelling.

As a PhD student, you will engage in both experimental and theoretical research, while also disseminating your findings at national and international conferences and through publications in scientific journals. You will be part of a cross-disciplinary department and growing team at IEI and Linköping University.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level within Mechanical Engineering, Applied physics or Material Science or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in material science. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

It is a merit if applicants for this position have documented knowledge and experience from projects or courses in one or more of the following areas: Composite materials, Classical Laminate Theory, manufacturing of composite laminates, mechanical testing and measurement techniques, characterization of mechanical properties, damage in polymer composites, modelling/simulation of composite materials.

As the communication of research results mainly takes place in English, this employment requires advanced skills in English, both spoken and written. It is an advantage if you also have advanced skills in spoken and written Swedish. Experiences of conducting, writing and presenting research work in different contexts are meritorious.

Your workplace

The Division of Engineering Materials at Linköping University conducts research as well as undergraduate and postgraduate education in Materials Engineering.

Read more about the department's activities here: https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/iei/kmat

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date 2024-10-01 or by agreement.

This position is classified to be a security classified position. Security screening including a records check will be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

Background screening will be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 21 August 2024.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





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