Institute PhD student in cast iron – process, microstructure & properties
Do you want to delve deeper into the metallurgy of cast iron and contribute to developing the cast components of the future? Are you curious about how solidification processes affect microstructure and mechanical properties? Do you also want to work with advanced characterization methods at large-scale research infrastructures such as synchrotron and neutron facilities? Then this may be the role for you.
About us RISE Research Institutes of Sweden is Sweden's research institute and innovation partner. We offer applied research, qualified industrial assignments, testing, and competence development to strengthen industry competitiveness and transition capability.
The Component Casting group gathers expertise in metallic materials, casting processes, material characterization, simulation, and data-driven process development. The operations are located in Jönköping and include applied research, testing, and industrial development assignments. In close collaboration with the Swedish foundry industry, its customers, and academic partners, we develop knowledge and solutions that strengthen the understanding of the relationships between process, material, quality, and component performance.
Now we are seeking an institute PhD student in cast iron. You will be employed at RISE in Jönköping and conduct your doctoral studies in collaboration with Tekniska Högskolan in Jönköping, part of Jönköping University.
About the role As an institute PhD student, you will work at the interface between academic research and industrial application. The focus is on cast iron, sand casting, process optimization, and defect formation, with the goal of increasing the understanding of how the casting process affects microstructure, material properties, and component quality.
The work has a strong connection to the Swedish automotive industry and to the requirements placed on cast components in technically demanding applications. You will work both experimentally and analytically in close collaboration with researchers, industrial partners, and academic supervisors.
In the role, you will, among other things:
study the relationships between casting process, microstructure, defects, and mechanical properties in cast iron.
plan and conduct experiments related to sand casting and process optimization.
characterize cast materials using, for example, light optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, image analysis, and other relevant methods.
perform and evaluate mechanical testing, for example, hardness testing, tensile testing, fatigue testing, and fracture analysis.
contribute to research projects and industrial collaborations within cast iron.
publish scientific results and disseminate knowledge to industrial partners through reports, presentations, and international conferences.
Who are you? We are looking for someone who has a master's degree or a civil engineer degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, or another relevant field. You have a strong interest in metallic materials, manufacturing processes, and the relationships between process, microstructure, and properties.
To succeed in the role, you have:
good basic understanding of materials science and metallurgy
interest in cast materials, process development, and industrial applications
ability to work in a structured manner with experiments, analysis, and documentation
good analytical ability and interest in experimental results
very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing
eligibility to be admitted to doctoral studies at Jönköping University
It is meritorious if you, for example through a thesis, have experience in:
casting and cast iron
metallography, SEM/EDS, image analysis, or other material characterization (mechanical testing, fracture analysis, etc.)
industrial research or development projects
communication in Swedish, orally or in writing
As a person, you are curious, structured, and resilient. You enjoy working independently and can translate technical questions into well-planned experiments. The role requires good collaborative skills and the ability to communicate with both researchers and industrial partners.
Are we right for each other? At RISE, you will get to work in an industry-proximate research environment where materials science is combined with practical applications. You will become part of a team with broad competence in casting, material analysis, process development, and industrial problem-solving. We offer a PhD role where you will develop as a researcher, build a strong industrial network, and contribute to new knowledge in an area that is important for the Swedish manufacturing industry.
We promise you no easy job – but we promise you a meaningful one, with engaged colleagues, advanced technical questions, and close collaboration with Swedish industry.
Welcome with your application If you want to know more about the position, you are welcome to contact: Alexander Leicht, unit manager, 010-228 49 09. The position is located in Jönköping. Start date is by agreement.
Last application date 2026-09-19. Selection and interviews will take place continuously during the application period.
Our union representatives are Ingemar Petermann, Saco, 010-22 841 22, and Linda Ikatti, Unionen, +46 10 516 51 61.