Doctoral (Phd) position in Tribology with focus on Sustainable transformer oils for electrical contacts Full-time

Doctoral (Phd) Position in Tribology with Focus on Sustainable Transformer Oils for Electrical Contacts

Admission to Doctoral (PhD) Studies in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialization in Materials Science

at the Division of Applied Materials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focuses, as well as a division that provides support and service. The department is an international place to work, and has around 230 active co-workers.

The Division of Applied Materials Science is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. Researchers at the division have extensive experience in materials science, materials analysis, materials synthesis and nanostructuring of materials. We develop materials and tailor their properties for a wide range of applications, and our research activities are of predominately experimental nature. Research groups are specialized in Materials in Medicine, Tribomaterials, Electron Microscopy and Nanoengineering, and Diamond Optics.

The doctoral study is performed at the Tribomaterials group, with long experience in tribological testing and advanced materials analysis. As a part of the group, you work together with supervisors and other researchers to develop and adapt the test methodology for your research topic, and identify and perform suitable analysis. We work in close collaboration to take advantage of the already existing expertise and learn from each other, at the same time as each person is given the opportunity to take a holistic approach on their research and lead the project forward.

Project description: Transformers and tap-changers are facing a technological transition where new, alternative transformer oils – such as ester based and bio-based oils – are replacing the traditional mineral oils. These new oils have many advantages, but have also shown to give unexpected and severe wear problems in sliding electrical contacts. Despite previous studies the mechanisms behind this wear are still uncertain.

This doctoral project aims to build understanding on how temperature, oil chemistry, mechanical contact, and electrical field, work in conjunction to give (or prevent) the wear of the sliding contacts in transformers. The project combines experimental tribology, advanced surface chemistry, electrical testing, and data driven analysis.

The project will be performed in close collaboration with Hitachi Energy, and parts of the work can be performed on-site in Ludvika to take advantage of the expertise and equipment in place. Hitachi Energy offers a unique research environment with access to high voltage laboratories, where sliding contacts can be studied under controlled current and voltage in transformer oil – something very few academic environments in the world can offer.

Duties: The main duty for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time PhD education for four years.

You work with all parts of the research project to generate a holistic understanding of how new, more sustainable, transformer oils can be used together with current and future contact materials. You design and perform tribological tests and analyze the surfaces to understand and explain what mechanisms control the performance, to drive the development of a central sub-system for the electrification of todays society. You are given the opportunity to work with and develop the equipment for tribological testing at Uppsala University, as well as the high voltage laboratory at Hitachi Energy. You are also given training and access to the advanced equipment for analysis available both at Uppsala University and through our academic contacts.

Typical work tasks include:

• Design and perform tribological testing of contact materials in different transformer oils
• Investigate how viscosity and additive composition for the fluid interacts with microstructure, alloy composition, and surface finish of the material
• Investigate how conditions in the form of sliding speed, contact pressure, imposed current, voltage, and temperature affect the performance of the components
• Perform and evaluate the results from several techniques for surface imaging and analysis, e.g. LOM, SEM, EDS, AES, EBSD, FIB Building up a structured database of test results
• Development of predictive models (statistical/ML)

Requirements: Master's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, machine technology, physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, or other education considered equivalent to these qualifications.

Documented experience and knowledge in materials science is a requirement.

We require good oral and written skills in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) chapter 5, §§ 1-7 (only in Swedish) and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Additional qualifications: As the project covers many aspects and has a multidisciplinary character, it is advantageous with experience from interdisciplinary work. We are searching for a candidate with both a solid foundation in suitable subjects and a desire to expand their skills.

Documented knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered a merit:

• Tribology, surface chemistry, or lubrication
• Materials analysis

To a lower extent, it is also advantageous to have documented knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• High voltage systems
• COMSOL or Multiphysics simulation
• Data analysis or machine learning
• Experimental work

Great emphasis is put on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and carry out work. You have a good ability to work towards set goals and you work focused to achieve them. In this, you have an ability to focus, even during periods of high workload. You have good communication skills, where through this quality you cooperate well with others. You also have a good ability to write academic text.

Your application must include:

• A short cover letter in which you describe yourself, why you want to do a PhD and why you are suitable for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• A certified copy of your master's degree and your course grades.
• Copies (or drafts) of your master's thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to refer to.
• Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have agreed to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2026-10-01 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Urban Wiklund, +46704250092, urban.wiklund@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application by 17th of August 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2003