Doctoral student in Advanced microscopy of Zr alloys for nuclear reactors

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Aktiebolag; Göteborgs kommun; Presencial; SEK 362.808 - 434.573; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Employee benefits

Swedish language courses available

Descripción de la vacante

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Aktiebolag is seeking a Doctoral Student in Gothenburg. The position offers a four-year fully funded opportunity focusing on investigating zirconium alloy corrosion using advanced techniques like electron microscopy.

Applicants should possess a Master's degree in relevant fields and strong communication skills. Benefits include a dynamic work environment, training opportunities, and employee support programs.

Formación

• Master's degree of 120 credits (masterexamen) or equivalent.
• Experience in materials science.
• Strong communication skills in English.

Responsabilidades

• Take advanced courses at the Graduate School of Materials Science or Physics.
• Develop scientific concepts and communicate results.
• Investigate Zr alloy samples using advanced techniques.

Conocimientos

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Experience in materials science

Experience in electron microscopy

Interest in nuclear technology

Educación

Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

4-year Bachelor's degree accepted for education earned outside Sweden

Descripción del empleo

About us

We are a research group in the Division of Microstructure Physics focusing on the experimental investigation of engineering materials using advanced characterization techniques. Our work uses electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and large‑scale facilities such as synchrotrons and neutron scattering to study the relationship between microstructure and properties, and how this relationship is affected by processing and in‑service degradation. Materials studied include steel, hard coatings, zirconium alloys and high entropy materials, with applications related to energy and sustainability.

About the research project

Nuclear fuel is enclosed in cladding tubes made from zirconium alloys. To improve reactor safety and economic performance, new alloys are continuously being developed. In this project we will investigate the corrosion behaviour of a novel zirconium alloy to deepen our understanding of corrosion mechanisms and support the development of next‑generation materials. Advanced characterization techniques, including electron microscopy and atom probe tomography, will be used to study corrosion processes at the atomic scale.

Who we are looking for

Mandatory requirements:

• Master’s degree of 120 credits (masterexamen) or 60 credits (magisterexamen) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering. For students with an education earned outside of Sweden a 4‑year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in materials science.

Additional experience that strengthens the application:

• Experience in electron microscopy and atom probe tomography.
• Interest in nuclear technology.

What you will do

• Take advanced courses at the Graduate School of Materials Science or Physics.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate results verbally and in writing.
• Possibly teach up to 20 % of your working hours at the undergraduate level.
• Investigate Zr alloy samples using electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and related techniques to understand degradation phenomena such as corrosion.

Contract terms

The doctoral student position is fully funded from the start. It is a fixed‑term appointment of four years, with the possibility to extend to five years if teaching up to 20 % of working hours. The starting salary is 35 725 SEK per month, valid from 1 May 2026. Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period; a valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date.

What we offer

As a doctoral student you become an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. You work in a dynamic and inspiring environment in Gothenburg. Chalmers is committed to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects. Swedish courses are available if Swedish is not your native language.

Application procedure

Applicants should submit a CV, a personal letter, a brief introduction, a motivation letter, and, if available, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses together with transcripts. Applications are accepted until 14 August. For questions, contact Mattias Thuvander at [e-mail] or [phone].