Researcher in Low Transformation Temperature Alloys for Additive Manufacturing

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU); Trondheim; On-site; NOK 560,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

NTNU's Department of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a researcher for a one-year project within SFI PhysMet. The role focuses on welding metallurgy and metal additive manufacturing, investigating LTT alloys, processing, microstructure and hardness, with the aim of publishing one or more full-length journal articles.

The candidate will consolidate existing results, plan focused follow-up analyses, perform complementary microstructural characterization and collaborate on manuscript

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science and engineering or closely related discipline required.
• Relevant experimental experience in welding metallurgy, metal additive manufacturing or related solidification/phase transformation field.
• Hands-on metallographic sample preparation and microstructural characterization (light optical and electron microscopy).
• Ability to analyse experimental data independently and relate processing, microstructure and properties.
• Experience in scientific writing and publications, with ability to lead manuscript preparation.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review, consolidate and document existing specimens, processing information and characterization results.
• Define a focused plan for completing the study and identify additional analyses or experiments.
• Carry out and analyze complementary microstructural characterization and strength measurements.
• Investigate effects of alloy composition, processing conditions, dilution and repeated thermal cycles on microstructure and hardness.
• Lead interpretation of results and preparation/submission of at least one full-length manuscript.

Job description

About The Position

We are seeking a researcher with a background in welding, metal additive manufacturing or a related area of physical metallurgy for an approximately one-year position within SFI PhysMet (Centre for Sustainable and Competitive Metallurgical and Manufacturing Industry; www.ntnu.edu/physmet) at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, NTNU.

About The Job

LTT alloys undergo transformation from austenite to martensite at relatively low temperatures. The associated volume expansion can counteract thermal contraction and offers a route to managing residual stresses in welding and additive manufacturing. Understanding how processing conditions and repeated thermal cycles affect their microstructure is important for assessing their potential in these applications.

The experimental work has so far focused on directed energy deposition (DED). Single tracks, double tracks and small cuboids have been printed from three LTT alloys. Initial characterisation has included sectioning and light optical microscopy (LOM) to examine printing defects and dilution, Vickers hardness measurements, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) on selected specimens, including reconstruction of prior-austenite grains.

More recently, cubes have also been produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) using two of the alloy powders. Microstructural characterisation of these specimens by LOM is currently in progress.

You will bring the existing and emerging results together to investigate the relationships between processing, microstructure, printing quality and hardness. The work will include identifying the most valuable scientific questions, establishing where the DED and LPBF results can be meaningfully compared, and completing focused complementary characterisation. The main outcome should be one or more full-length manuscripts prepared and submitted to a relevant peer-reviewed journal.

Duties of the position

One Of The Main Objectives Of SFI PhysMet Is To Explore And Develop Innovative Processing And Joining Methods With Enhanced Sustainability And Competitiveness. You Will Contribute To This Aim Through The Following Activities

• Review, consolidate and document the existing specimens, processing information and characterisation results.
• Define a focused plan for completing the study, identifying the additional analyses or experiments needed to support its scientific conclusions.
• Carry out and analyse complementary microstructural characterisation and strength property measurements in collaboration with the project team.
• Investigate the effects of alloy composition, processing conditions, dilution and repeated thermal cycles on microstructure and hardness, using the available evidence.
• Develop a scientifically justified comparison of the DED and LPBF results for the alloys studied by both processes.
• Lead the interpretation of the results and the preparation and submission of at least one full-length journal manuscript in collaboration with the project team.
• Communicate the findings through project meetings and relevant scientific conferences and document the data and analysis procedures for future use.

You will work closely with colleagues and partners within SFI PhysMet. Research visits and participation in relevant conferences are encouraged as opportunities to strengthen the study, exchange knowledge and expand your scientific network.

Required Selection Criteria

• A PhD in materials science and engineering, metallurgy, welding technology, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline, or documented scientific qualifications at an equivalent level.
• Relevant experimental research experience in welding metallurgy, metal additive manufacturing or a related field involving solidification and phase transformations in metallic materials.
• Hands‑on experience with metallographic sample preparation and microstructural characterisation of metallic materials, by light optical and electron microscopy methods.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse experimental data independently and relate processing conditions, microstructure and material properties.
• Experience in scientific writing, demonstrated by relevant publications, and the ability to take a leading role in manuscript preparation.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Preferred Selection Criteria

We welcome applicants with different combinations of the following experience:

• Experience with DED and/or LPBF, including interpretation of processing parameters and thermal histories.
• Experience with steel metallurgy, including knowledge of LTT alloys, martensitic transformations or transformation-related effects in welding and additive manufacturing.
• Experience acquiring and/or analysing EBSD data, particularly reconstruction of prior‑austenite grains.
• Experience with quantitative optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), image analysis and Vickers hardness testing.
• Experience assessing weld or additive manufacturing defects, dilution and the effects of repeated thermal cycling.
• Skills in quantitative data analysis and scientific visualisation using Python, MATLAB or comparable tools.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic or phase‑transformation modelling to support experimental interpretation.

Personal characteristics

• Curious and analytical, with sound scientific judgement.
• Able to work independently, set priorities and bring a focused research study to completion.
• Careful and systematic in experimental work, data management and reporting.
• Open to sharing ideas and collaborating across research groups and disciplines.
• Motivated to communicate research through publications and scientific presentations.

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer

• An established experimental foundation and the opportunity to shape the remaining research and lead its scientific publication.
• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment.
• Collaboration in a strong team of research fellows from NTNU and SINTEF in addition to industry partners in SFI PhysMet
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits
• Excellent research infrastructure for experiments and modelling

Salary and conditions

As a researcher (code 1109) you are paid depending on qualifications and seniority. As required by law, 2% of this salary will be deducted and paid into the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is one year.

An early start is preferred, with the starting date to be agreed with the successful applicant.

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.

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.

General information

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.

As an employee at NTNU, you must continually maintain and improve your professional development and be flexible regarding any organizational changes.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself 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 reservation is not accepted.

For the sake of transparency, candidates will be given expert evaluations of their own and other candidates. As an applicant you are considered part of the process and are stipulated by rules of confidentiality.

Application deadline

19.11.2026

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.

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 Materials Science and Engineering

We are Norway's leading educational and research environment in materials engineering, materials chemistry and materials science. In collaboration with business and industry, we are a driving force for the development of innovative materials as well as new applications and manufacturing processes. Activities in our disciplines are vital for the green shift. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Questions About The Position

Tomás Mánik
Associate Professor
[e-mail]

Marie Kristiansen
HR Advisor
[e-mail]