Two Doctoral researchers in the field of microstructural design of advanced high-strength steels for enhanced fatigue resistance

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for two highly motivated

Doctoral researchers

in the field of microstructural design of advanced high-strength steels for enhanced fatigue resistance to join the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit for an exciting project funded by the Kvantum Institute.

About us

MME is aiming to be a world-leading research unit in the field of physical metallurgy of high-strength steels, with a focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of modern machines, vehicles, and structures. We strive to provide innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, and to contribute to the development of modern structure and mobile machinery that are both environment-friendly as well as cost-effective.

About the job

The project focuses on the development of sustainable ultrahigh strength steels with exceptional fatigue resistance using cutting-edge processing techniques. The research aims to design complex, multiphase steels thorough microstructural engineering that will impart superior mechanical properties in respect of strength, ductility, and toughness, as well as improved fatigue and hydrogen embrittlement resistance.

The selected candidates will undergo extensive training in the characterization of multi-scale advanced materials and failure micro-mechanisms. This position offers a unique opportunity to interact with the academics and researchers of various research groups at the MME research unit in order to implement research goals. As part of the core team, you will investigate the complex microstructures of multiphase steels at different length scales down to atomic scale, and study their mechanical response to uniaxial and cyclic loading conditions, clarifying related deformation and fracture mechanisms. Your training will involve using advanced characterization methods (3D-Atom Probe Tomography, in-situ synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, in-situ Scanning Electron Microscopy, etc.), and mechanical property characterization techniques (low/high cycle fatigue, fatigue crack growth, etc.).

In addition, you will gain experience in conducting physical simulation experiments using state-of-the art facilities, CALPHAD-based thermodynamic and numerical modeling, which will allow to explore and correlate the structure-property relationships. This position is ideal for someone eager to advance their skills through cutting-edge research, while contributing to the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for the future.

Responsibilities

• Conducting original research to develop innovative steel compositions and processing methods aimed at enhancing fatigue resistance.
• Applying different modeling techniques to simulate microstructural evolution and predict the effect of processing parameters on material properties.
• Development of new modelling solutions to predict the fatigue resistance of ultrahigh strength steels.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and engineers to design and execute experimental studies to validate modeling predictions.
• Analyze experimental data to gain insights into the mechanisms governing hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
• Present research findings at conferences, publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the scientific community.
• Work closely with industry partners to ensure the relevance and applicability of research outcomes to real-world engineering challenges.

Requirements for the position

• A master's degree in a relevant field that was awarded not more than five years ago.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
• Capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Motivated and self-driven with a passion for scientific research and innovation.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

The candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, suitability for the research topics, and potential as researchers. The following merits are seen as a strong advantages:

• Strong background in steel design, physical metallurgy of steel, and materials characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with low/high cycle fatigue and fatigue crack growth experiments.
• Experience with CALPHAD thermodynamic/diffusion models and/or phase field simulations.
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu

Salary

The position is for a fixed term of 4 years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The starting salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2500 - 2800 € per month (before taxes). Later the salary follows the YPJ salary system of Finnish Universities. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.
The application should be written in English and include the following:
1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarising the applicant’s professional experience and expertise, and describing research interests and motivation related to the research project.
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages) A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
3. Certificates/Diplomas, scanned copy of the original relevant master’s degree certificates and transcript of records if available, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English
4. A copy of the master’s thesis. If you have recently submitted your thesis, a draft can be provided.
5. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation.
The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact
Sumit Ghosh (sumit.ghosh@oulu.fi) tel. +358 505946218
Jukka Kömi (jukka.komi@oulu.fi) tel. +358 405490311

1. Sumit Ghosh, +358505946218
2. Jukka Ilmari Kömi, +358405490311