Postdoc in experimental Solid Mechanics and Neutron Imaging

Job description

The Division of Material and Structural Mechanics at KTH is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop advanced neutron imaging methods and apply them to problems in experimental solid mechanics and materials science. The position focuses on wavelength-resolved (time-of-flight) neutron imaging, enabling quantitative analysis of phase composition, strain, and microstructural evolution in engineering materials under load. The research will combine in-situ mechanical testing with neutron imaging at large-scale facilities such as the European Spallation Source (ESS) and international beamlines, with particular emphasis on hydrogen embrittlement and phase transformations in metallic materials. The work involves both experimental design and execution, as well as development of robust data analysis workflows for extracting physically meaningful information from complex imaging datasets.

The position is part of a larger research initiative involving three coordinated research pillars, senior researchers/faculty and two additional postdoctoral researchers, combining experimental neutron imaging, tomography, simulation, and data analysis. The project is closely associated with ESS (ODIN beamline) and offers opportunities for collaboration with researchers at KTH, ESS, and other international neutron facilities and research groups. The postdoc will contribute both to core research topics and to collaborative demonstrator studies applying neutron imaging to mechanics and materials problems. The position will provide a broad experimental experience and strong opportunities for scientific publications and international networking.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental mechanics, and/or neutron/X-ray methods.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and programming.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute to the planning and execution of experimental research activities.
• Good collaborative and communication skills, as the work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at KTH, ESS, international facilities and other project partners in Sweden.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Personal skills

Collaborative ability, initiative, and the capacity to work independently in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience with mechanical testing and/or materials characterization.
• Experience with neutron, synchrotron, or other large-scale experimental facilities.
• Familiarity with in-situ experiments, phase transformations, hydrogen-related materials research, or advanced imaging methods.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of imaging or diffraction data.
• Knowledge of scientific computing, modelling, or methods relevant for data analysis.
• It is commendable if the applicant has demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research environments.
• We prefer that the applicant is motivated to contribute both to focused research topics and to collaborative demonstrator studies with external research groups.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

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.

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