Employment as a doctoral student in Applied Physics: Atomistic modelling of strain-age cracking

Malmo

Reference number P 2026/998

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We are looking for
Doctoral student in Applied Physics: Atomistic modelling of strain-age cracking at Faculty of Technology and Society

Work duties
Those appointed to an employment as av doctoral student shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to an employment as a doctoral student may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, research, artistic research and administration, however, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post (Chapter 5, Section 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

Nickel-based superalloys are used in aircraft engines and other extreme environments where high temperatures and mechanical loads place stringent demands on materials. However, these alloys have a weak point – they are often difficult to weld. A particular issue is strain-age cracking, a type of cracking that occurs during post-weld heat treatment or during additive manufacturing (3D printing of metals). The problem is especially severe in alloys that form numerous and rapidly growing small precipitates, which strengthen the material but simultaneously increase the risk of cracking. Some alloys are therefore considered “unweldable”.

Despite many years of research, the mechanisms behind strain-age cracking are still debated. One theory suggests that stresses arise during heating because the precipitates do not expand at the same rate as the surrounding material, eventually leading to crack formation. A better understanding of why strain-age cracking occurs could make the optimized manufacturing of components and the use of these high-performance alloys more efficient.

This PhD project will be primarily theoretical and aims to develop an atomistically informed phase-field crystal model to simulate the strain field inside of and around precipitates in superalloys. Particular interest lies in how the strain field varies with temperature changes in the alloy. The modeling strategy will be compared with results from synchrotron experiments.

The position will be located at the Materials Science group () under the supervision of Dr. Martin Fisk ().

Qualifications
To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements of the subject in question. Moreover, the applicant must be deemed capable of assimilating the education.

General entry requirements for doctoral studies and study programmes (HEO Chapter 7 Section 39) have those who:

• been awarded a second-cycle qualification
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes have those who:

• have knowledge and skills equivalent to a second-cycle degree in applied physics or in another subject that has relevance for applied physics, or
• have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in or outside Sweden
• are proficient in English to the extent required for conducting postgraduate studies in applied physics

Selection criteria
Selection among applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements shall be made with regard to their capacity to assimilate the education (HEO Chapter 7 Section 41).

The following general criteria will be used.

• Subject competence
• Scientific quality in previous work
• Methodological and scientific maturity
• Communication and collaborative skills

Documented experience with one or more of the following will be considered merits:

• Atomistic modelling using, e.g., density functional theory, or phase field crystals
• Continuum mechanics
• Synchrotron based experimental methods
• Scientific programming

Second-cycle exams relevant for this position are computational materials science, physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, or equivalent.

Faculty, Department and Research environment
The Faculty of Technology and Society conducts education and research with a focus on technology and natural sciences at the two departments of Computer Science and Media Technology and Materials Science and Applied Mathematics. The faculty collaborates with companies and other organizations with the aim of raising the level of expertise, creating new products, developing businesses and giving students an early connection to their future working life. Our research collaborations and employees from a large number of countries give the activities an international character. More information about the faculty can be found here: Link

The Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics employs around forty dedicated teachers, researchers and doctoral students in a dynamic and international environment. We offer education in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, including a Technical Foundation Year, a Technical Foundation Semester and three higher education engineering programs: Building Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Product Development and Design. We also offer a 2-year international master's program in Materials Science and Engineering. Our department is a place of constant development and here you will have the opportunity to grow, be involved and influence your own future as well as the department's. We conduct research in close collaboration with both private and public actors, with a focus on areas such as materials science, physics, applied mathematics and construction science. More information can be found here: Link

Further information
Head of department Katja Frid, 073-725 37 40, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk

Associate Professor Martin Fisk, 040-665 76 75, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk

In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

You can read more about the benefits of working in Sweden here: Work in Sweden – Careers, work permits and moving to Sweden

Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the job advertisement, and that it is submitted to the University no later than 15 of June. The application must be written in Swedish, English or any of the Nordic languages. As an applicant, you are responsible for the application and its appendices being translated.

The application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Diplomas, transcript of records and other certificates relevant for the position
• Cover letter stating why the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background
• Independent work at advanced level (including master thesis or equivalent)

Miscellaneous
Preparation of admission to postgraduate education and employment as a doctoral student take place in parallel. Only those who are or have been admitted to doctoral level courses and study programmes at a higher education may be appointed to doctoral studentships (HEO Chapter 5, section 3).

The doctoral studentship is a fixed-term position comprising four years of full-time studies, in accordance with the HEO Chapter 5, section 7. A doctoral student shall be employed for an indefinite period but for no longer than until a specified date, and never for longer than a year after the doctoral degree or artistic doctoral degree has been completed. The first appointment must be limited to one year at the most. The appointment can be extended by a maximum of two years at a time.

Malmö University actively promotes gender equality and equal opportunities in order to offer a workplace and a university characterised by an open and inclusive approach.

As part of this:

• Applicants of an underrepresented gender are given priority for admission, if they are equally able to benefit from the programme.
• Doctoral students with permanent disabilities are given the opportunity to receive support and adaptations during their studies, so that everyone can study on equal terms in a good study environment.

Employees who do not speak Swedish should learn Swedish in the long term so that they can participate in the daily and ongoing work of the institution or department.

Malmö University applies salary setting for doctoral students in accordance with a local agreement on salary setting for doctoral students.

If the admitted person requires a residence permit to live in Sweden and pursue their studies, the University reserves the right to revoke the admission decision if the admitted person cannot present a valid residence permit as required on the date they are due to commence their education.

Interview
Interviews are planned to take place during the morning of 17 June. Start date
Se telefonnummer på studerendeonline.dk or by agreement.

Union representatives
Saco-S: Jenny Vikman, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk

OFR/ST: Jelena Hovstadius, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk

PhD Student Union representative

Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

You apply no later than 15/06/2026 by clicking the apply button.