PhD position in Aluminium Extrusion

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU); Trondheim; On-site; NOK 522,000 - 638,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joint PhD with Bologna

Mentor programme

Open and inclusive work environment

Job summary

NTNU invites applications for a 3-year PhD candidate position in aluminium extrusion, linked to the SFI FAST initiative. The doctoral research will explore process–microstructure–property relationships, weld integrity and die design using post-consumer scrap aluminium.

The candidate will collaborate with NTNU, SINTEF and industry partners, with potential for a cotutelle PhD with the University of Bologna. Collaboration includes industrial experiments and reporting progress to FAST.

Qualifications

• Must meet admission to NTNU’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering.
• Master’s degree with a major independent project (≥30 ECTS) or equivalent.
• Strong background in metal forming or aluminium processing.
• Excellent written and oral English skills.

Responsibilities

• Study, prototype and validate extrusion process mechanisms for improved accuracy and mechanical properties.
• Investigate the impact of thermal–mechanical processing on forming and end-product quality.
• Perform mechanical and microstructural testing, characterization and analysis.
• Investigate process behaviours and models to improve capabilities.
• Publish high-level research in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with industry and employ an industry-as-laboratory approach for extrusion trials.
• Mentor and supervise MSc students within FAST WP3 Forming.

Skills

Metal forming / aluminium processing

English proficiency

Independent project in master’s thesis

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

FEA software

Job description

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MTP) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has a vacancy for a PhD candidate within aluminium extrusion, associated with the Centre for Research-based Innovation SFI FAST – Future Aluminium Structures.

The position is a 3-year doctoral research fellowship starting in 2026. The PhD candidate will be embedded in the forming research activities of SFI FAST and will work closely with NTNU, SINTEF, and leading international industrial partners in the aluminium value chain (Hydro, Benteler Automotive, Raufoss Technology, Speira, Raufoss Aluminium, Renault, etc).

This PhD position focuses on aluminium extrusion of profiles based on high recycled content. The research will address process–microstructure–property relationships, weld integrity, die design, and product quality in extrusion of complex profiles from post-consumer scrap aluminium (PCS).

The use of PCS in the production of structural components (i.e. automotive) is currently limited but is expected to grow as more stringent sustainability requirements and regulations come into effect. The candidate will establish and validate numerical forming simulations, predict PCS effects on seam- and charge weld quality, surface quality, integrate microstructure and texture evolution into the models, integrate quenching sequence in modelling, conduct industrial experiments, and demonstrate validity through use-cases in the project. The foci of the research work include practical experiments (including extrusion experiments, and mechanical/microstructure characterization tests), theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation.

The candidate will work in collaboration with industrial partners and needs to be responsible for reporting progress and delivering outputs to the FAST centre. S/he will have the possibility to obtain a cotutelle (‘dual’) PhD degree between NTNU and University of Bologna, Italy.

About SFI FAST – Future Aluminium Structures

SFI FAST (Future Aluminium Structures) is a national Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI) funded by the Research Council of Norway and the aluminium industry. The centre is led by NTNU in close collaboration with SINTEF and a broad consortium of 16 leading industrial partners across the aluminium value chain. FAST runs from 2026 to 2033 and represents one of Norway’s most ambitious long-term research initiatives within aluminium materials, manufacturing technologies, and circular economy.

The primary objective of FAST is to establish the scientific and technological knowledge base required to enable the large‑scale use of post‑consumer scrap (PCS) aluminium in high‑value, structural, and safety‑critical products. FAST adopts a through‑scale and through‑process research methodology, integrating materials science, manufacturing processes, product and structural design, and lifecycle performance.

A key outcome of FAST is the development of the FAST Virtual Lab, a digital framework combining experimental data, physics‑based models, and data‑driven methods to support design, manufacturing, and decision‑making across aluminium value chains.

Education and competence building are central pillars of FAST. The centre will educate more than 18 PhD and postdoctoral researchers and over 100 MSc students, strengthening Norway’s international position in aluminium research and innovation. The two positions posted here will be among the first ones to start in the centre.

Duties of the position

• Study, prototype and validate extrusion processes mechanisms for improved accuracy and mechanical properties
• Investigate the impact of thermal‑mechanical processing on the subsequent forming processes and end‑product quality
• Perform mechanical and microstructural testing, characterization and analysis to assess the properties of material and components
• Investigate the process behaviours, mechanisms and models to improve and optimise the process capabilities
• Conduct and publish high‑level research at peer‑reviewed journals and international conferences
• Work closely with industry and employ the industry‑as‑laboratory concept for extrusion trials and studies
• Participate and contribute to research group and FAST WP3 (Forming) activities, including mentoring and supervising MScs

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required Selection Criteria

• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s Doctoral Programme, see Section 6-1 of the PhD regulations for more information
• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science or equivalent. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis
• Master students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong and relevant academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker academic background, you may be considered if you can document that you are exceptionally suited for a PhD education, for example through relevant work experience and/or peer‑reviewed academic works.
• Strong academic background relevant to metal forming or aluminium processing
• You must have experience in continuum‑based modelling using FEA software
• Good written and oral English skills

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position.

Preferred Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and testing skills in material characterization and microstructural analysis of aluminium alloys, using advance equipment like SEM, TEM, P‑FIB, etc.
• Experience in the design and development of machine tools in metal forming processes
• Experience in using alternative, relevant modelling methods for material, process, and product behaviour (like using analytical, data‑driven modelling approaches, AI, etc.)
• Background from or knowing the NTNU/Norwegian or University of Bologna university system to be prepared for following the mandatory exchange path associated with a cotutelle PhD degree
• Experience with industrial research and industry‑as‑a‑laboratory type of activities

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• Highly motivated
• Able to work independently
• Curious and enthusiastic
• Strong ability to systematically carry out goal‑oriented work
• Enjoy and contribute to interdisciplinary research
• Keen interest in learning and working in teams
• Good skills to deliver oral and written presentation of research results
• Strong interest in combining theory and practice through experimental and numerical research

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• SFI FAST facilities, industrial network, and a joint PhD environment
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleaguesAn exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow‑up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Working capital that can be used to implement the project
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population’s collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.

We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender‑balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,- per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organised doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organisational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

Application deadline

01.11.2026

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Torgeir Welo, e‑mail: [e-mail].

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Senior Consultant Hedda Winnberg, e‑mail: [e-mail].

The city of Trondheim

is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech 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 subsidised 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.

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 Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

We educate graduates who can create new products, operate and maintain products, and manage projects. The Department has a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. We conduct wide‑ranging research in fields such as technology, energy, product quality and development, and productivity. The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.