Doctoral student in machining with a focus on process & functional surfaces

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Production Engineering

We invite applications for a doctoral position in Production Engineering with a focus on advanced machining. This field is central to modern component manufacturing, where high precision, controlled surface properties, energy efficiency and short cycle times are essential. The project aims to deepen the understanding of interactions between machine tools, cutting tools, materials and process parameters. By combining experimental metrology, high‑resolution sensor data, process modelling, simulation and data‑driven methods, significant process optimisation can be achieved.

The research includes advanced machining processes such as gear machining, integrating turning, milling and grinding. Integrated metrology is used to characterise dimensions, form and surface properties, with particular attention to functional surfaces. The work also involves modelling machine tools and machining dynamics, as well as conducting advanced experiments on process stability, tool wear and material removal mechanisms. Real‑time measurement methods will be applied to complex operations such as skiving.

We seek a motivated doctoral student with a background in mechanical engineering, machine design or related fields, and an interest in both experimental and theoretical work. Experience in control systems, metrology or machine tools is beneficial. The project is conducted in close collaboration with international research partners and industry, offering excellent opportunities for experimental work in advanced laboratory environments.

The doctoral student will join the Manufacturing and Metrology Systems unit and the Precision Engineering and Metrology (PEM) group at the Department of Production Engineering. The group consists of around 15 researchers and doctoral students and works closely with industry through Centre X – Advanced Manufacturing Solutions for Next‑Generation Powertrains at KTH.

Supervision: Prof. Andreas Archenti is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills. 

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.

Union representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

Doctoral Student’s network (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information for PhD chapter.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must include the following elements:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

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