Apply by November 27th 2023
Doctoral Researcher in Metals Technology
Tampere University and the participating companies run the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII), which offers positions for doctoral researchers working in close cooperation with industry. The DSII explores research questions that are directly relevant for industry and business.
DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.
The partner company for this position is Metso Finland Oyj who is a frontrunner in providing sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. Job description
The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of metal technology. The motivation of the research stems from needs to increase the lifetime of cast steel structural components of the rock crusher equipment.
These components require long-term capability to resist variable amplitude loading and shock loads during the operation of the crushers. The challenges of manufacturing a high-performance component begin at the foundry where metallurgy and pouring practice affect the size, type, and locations of casting defects, where initial fatigue failure of the component can occur.
Critical areas of the component can have cast or machined surfaces that have very different surface profiles and properties, which affect the fatigue lifetime. Thus this projects aims to study structure-property relationships in steels with high emphasis on cyclic loading and predictions of lifetime.
As a result of the project, we will understand better how the variation in material quality affects the lifetime of the component, and more importantly we will be able to increase and predict the lifetime of critical machinery components.
As a doctoral researcher you will work as a member of the international Multiscale Mechanics Research Group (IMPACT) at Tampere University. The work is focused strongly on experimental research, statistical analysis of the results, development of modelling approaches to describe the experimental observations, and communication of the output.
The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry. The tasks of doctoral researchers also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.
The work will be supervised by Professor Mikko Hokka and Dr. Matti Isakov from Tampere University and by Dr. Juuso Terva from Metso-Outotec Oyj.
You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives and postdoctoral university staff members.
By participating in DSII events, excursions, meetings and training sessions with your fellow doctoral students, you will both get and provide peer support and make your own contribution to the development of DSII. Requirements
You need to have an applicable master’s degree in materials science and engineering, physical metallurgy, metals technology, mechanical engineering or a related discipline. The position requires
Knowledge and interest in machine elements used in the crushing equipment
Knowledge of processing-structure-property-performance relationships of metals, in particularly cast steels
Theoretical knowledge and preferably hands-on experience on experimental mechanics, especially cyclic/dynamic testing
Theoretical knowledge and preferably hands-on experience in characterization of microstructures of metals; microscopy, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction etc.
A good command in both spoken and written English
We appreciate that you would have experience in at least some of the following:
Statistical analysis of fatigue data
Material modelling
You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. Our research goals are ambitious but we do not expect you to be a master of everything when you start: you will also be trained in the areas you are currently lacking.
Please note that before commencing in the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements. You need to have an inquiring mind and the ability to think independently while also being able to work in a team and be an active member of the DSII community. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required. How to apply & more info The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four years, starting in fall 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter. APPLY and find a more detailed description of the position, salary, and other terms of employment and working conditions on the Tampere University. For further information, please contact:
Prof. Mikko Hokka, mikko.hokka@tuni.fi