Postdoc in X-ray and neutron characterization of metals for AM Full-time

Postdoc in X-ray and Neutron Characterization of Metals for AM

School of Industrial Engineering and Management at KTH

At the Department of Materials Science, we offer a postdoctoral position focused on in-situ and ex-situ synchrotron and neutron characterization of metallic materials processed using laser and electron-beam-based techniques, particularly within additive manufacturing (AM), welding, and heat treatment. The position is centered around the custom-built experimental environment developed at the Swedish beamline at PETRA III, beamline P21.2, where both electron-beam and laser processing can be studied in real time under controlled conditions.

The postdoctoral researcher will further develop the methodology for applying this experimental setup in close collaboration with internal and external partners, and will use it to generate new knowledge on the behavior of metals under rapid thermal cycles, such as those occurring during AM or laser welding. In addition to synchrotron experiments, the position will include work with complementary characterization techniques to build a comprehensive understanding of microstructure evolution and mechanical properties.

By combining advanced in-situ studies with ex-situ analyses, the project aims to deepen the understanding of phase transformations, melt-pool dynamics, solidification, as well as the properties of processed materials in end-use applications, for example by studying their behavior under quasistatic or cyclic loading.

This research is central to enabling the development of new materials and processing solutions that support sustainable industrial transformation, for example within manufacturing industries or energy-producing sectors. The results generated will be important for advancing circular material flows, reducing scrap, and increasing the use of recycled raw materials.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work at large-scale research infrastructures, develop measurement methodologies and data-analysis approaches for real-time studies, and collaborate closely with both academic and industrial partners, nationally and internationally, to address important, needs-driven materials and process challenges. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in advancing research on electron-beam and laser processing of metals and their final properties.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in materials science or closely-related area for the proposed research. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research experience in materials characterization, particularly synchrotron light and neutron characterization such as e.g. diffraction, small-angle scattering (WAXS, SAXS, ND, SANS) and imaging, evidenced by a track record of journal publications and international conference presentations.
• The ability to express yourself very well in English, spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• You are self-motivated with a strong ability to take initiative and run projects

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

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Extensive experience in data analysis for synchrotron light or neutron characterization of metallic materials.
• Experience with electron-beam and/or laser processing of metallic material
• Experience in characterization of mechanical behavior, phase transformations or/and precipitates in metallic materials.Experience with lab-scale characterization of metallic materials, e.g. SEM, XRD.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.