About the position

This PhD position is within the field of experimental materials physics and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The PhD project is a part of SFI PhysMet and the research area Multi-scale material analyses. SFI PhysMet - Centre for Sustainable and Competitive Metallurgical and Manufacturing Industry is hosted by NTNU (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Department of Physics), together with key research partners (SINTEF and IFE), and user partners from the metallurgical and manufacturing industry in Norway.

Joining of dissimilar materials severely affects the microstructure and often creates a plethora of new phases with new properties. Depending on the joining technique, thin oxide layers may remain, and to fully optimize the joining process, the structural and chemical composition characteristics of the joints must be investigated. The multiscale microstructure and complicated compositional chemistry created require use of a range of characterisation tools, as crystallographically and chemically complex phases typically form near the joints. We will use advanced characterization (with main focus on the nanoscale, using TEM to study the joints. By extraction of samples from bonded specimens (usually done by focused ion beam (FIB)), diffraction, imaging and spectroscopic techniques in the TEM will be applied. In particular, the evolution of dislocations, formation of intermetallic compounds and oxides will be displayed and documented to unravel the possible contributions from plastic deformation, mechanical interlocking, local melting and interdiffusion to the bond characteristics along the interface. The full atomic and electronic structures of different materials during the evolution of the bonding process will be disclosed and related to the bond quality. Data will be processed utilizing scientific Python packages such as HyperSpy and pyXem.

The work will be done at the TEM Gemini Center/NORTEM Trondheim node. The PhD will be performed in close cooperation with another PhD at Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NTNU and SINTEF Industry. You will report to the supervising Professor at NTNU.

Starting date August or September 2021.

Duties of the position

• Develop and establish different TEM techniques for studying joints in multi-materials
• Publish results in scientific journals and conferences

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in physics, materials science or a closely related field with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

• Excellent written and oral English language skills
• Experimental background and experience in materials characterization
• Basic programming skills

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in electron microscopy, and TEM in particular
• Knowledge and practical experience with the relevant data handling and analysis
• Experience with relevant sample preparation techniques for electron microscopy

Personal characteristics

• Creative, curiosity-driven with a strong ability to work problem oriented
• Enjoy interdisciplinary research and take keen interest in learning and working in teams.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration
• Ability to clearly communicate ideas and knowledge
• Enjoy applied industrial problems  

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 482 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years with the possibility of until 1 year extension with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the department.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Physics within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan or project proposal
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 5 works)
• Name and address of three referees

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Randi Holmestad, telephone 73593880, email randi.holmestad@ntnu.no. 

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number NVD-26/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 26.02.2021

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Physics

Our research and teaching are both experimental and theoretical, covering a wide range of disciplines. Our activities contribute to development of new medical technology and to finding solutions for the next generation’s communication technology, energy utilization and development of materials. The Department of Physics is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 26th February 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service