Postdoctoral position in transmission electron microscopy for sustainable metals

Tasks

At the Hultgren Laboratory at the Department of Materials Science, we are seeking a postdoc with a research interest in microstructural characterization of sustainable metallic materials using transmission electron microscopy and complementary methods.

Through a generous grant from the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability – WISE (https://wise-materials.org/) and KTH, we are now establishing a state-of-the-art high-throughput scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) with unique in-situ/-operando functions at the Hultgren Laboratory. The equipment adds unique capacity to the Swedish infrastructure for transmission electron microscopy (https://artemi.se/) with an integrated laser heating system, enabling high-temperature studies as well as in-situ studies of thermomechanical processing using an in-situ straining holder. It will also be possible to combine other types of in-situ holders, e.g., reaction chambers, in combination with the laser heating. Furthermore, the system will be equipped with Automated Crystallographic Orientation Mapping (ACOM), enabling unique high-resolution and high-throughput local crystallographic and strain analysis.

The postdoc will join our research team in materials characterization to conduct research with the goal of improving material sustainability. By contributing an improved fundamental understanding of the relationship between structure and properties of metallic materials through advanced characterization, we support the development of new metallic materials and their manufacturing processes.

For example, we work on improving metallic materials used in the electrification of the automotive industry, hydrogen-tolerant metallic materials required for the transition to a fossil-free energy system where hydrogen is an important energy carrier, as well as the design of metallic and composite materials that are better suited for production from recycled material while maintaining high performance. So-called in-situ/in-operando and high-throughput measurements are important in this project, and the postdoc will work with both method development and materials science applications, i.e., a better understanding of microstructure and mechanical properties of specific metallic materials.

The postdoctoral position should be interesting for researchers in materials science with an already established TEM characterization profile and a desire to further develop their competence in transmission electron microscopy and broaden their capacity in physical metallurgy and materials characterization. Additionally, the postdoc will have an excellent opportunity to collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners in Sweden and internationally to promote sustainability within the materials field.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A completed Doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field for the proposed research. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than when the employment decision is made.
• Documented experience in TEM characterization of metallic materials, including sample preparation, data collection, and analysis.
• Ability to express yourself very well in English, both orally and in writing, as this will be required in daily work.
• You are self-driven with a strong ability to take initiative and drive projects.

As a person, you have well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and enjoy taking responsibility. You have strong collaborative skills, including the ability to lead and support research.

Meritorious

• At the application deadline, at most three years since the doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree was obtained.
• Experience with ACOM and in-situ TEM
• Experience with complementary characterization techniques (e.g., FIB-SEM, APT)
• Background in physical and mechanical metallurgy
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues, with a particular focus on gender equality

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

Become a part of KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and contributing to the transition to a sustainable society. Here, you are offered the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are a matter of quality and an inherent part of KTH's values as a university and a government agency.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH.

Union representatives

Contact details for union representatives.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application should include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge, especially within TEM and metallurgy
• Copy of degree certificates and transcripts from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in either of these languages.
• A concise account of how you fit the position, and what your research interests and future goals are. Maximum two pages.

The application must reach KTH no later than the application deadline at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The employment is permanent, but for a maximum of two years.

A postdoctoral employment is a fixed-term qualifying position primarily focused on research, intended as a first career step after graduation.

Other

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An employment at KTH may be subject to security clearance. If this is the case for this specific employment, a security screening of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) after consent. In these cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security screening.

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