PhD Candidates in Thermal Spraying

University West is driven by the desire to make a difference. Through our education and research, we aim to contribute to innovation, positive societal development, and a sustainable world. We are a modern university undergoing strong development. Our profile of work-integrated learning (AIL) is a part of everything we do, and collaborating with the surrounding world is a priority for us. University West has one of the highest application rates in the country, and a significant proportion of our students establish themselves in the labor market. The university has 13,000 students and over 700 employees. Our attractive campus is centrally located in Trollhättan and serves as a place where knowledge, ideas, cultures, and people meet. We actively work towards an inclusive work environment with equal conditions and value the qualities that diversity brings to our operations. We at University West make a difference every day. Do you want to do the same? PhD Student in Production Engineering University West is a leader in research on thermal spraying (TS) in Sweden and holds a prominent position among Scandinavian research institutes and universities regarding R&D work on TS coatings. The TS group is now actively seeking two PhD students in production engineering with a focus on thermal spraying. The studies will primarily focus on the development of next-generation wear-resistant coatings through the use of new materials and/or innovative process methods for various industrial applications, such as the aerospace industry, energy production, maritime applications, and electrification. The research is application-oriented and conducted in close collaboration with companies as part of a larger research project involving multiple industrial partners. The PhD student's scientific work in the project One of the primary goals of the research project is to develop next-generation wear-resistant coatings using emerging processes such as high-velocity air-fuel (HVAF) and high-performance axial plasma spraying (APS). Two clear research tracks expected for the PhD positions are: (1) using alternative hard materials instead of the conventionally used WC- and CrC-based materials, such as cBN, diamond, SiC, etc., and (2) carbide-based wear-resistant coatings with solid lubricants incorporated through various strategies to create unique function-specific microstructures/architectures. Innovative process methods, such as co-deposition of different raw materials in powder-powder/powder-liquid form and/or tailored mixed, agglomerated, or encapsulated raw materials, will be used to apply coatings. The performance of the developed coatings will be evaluated through various wear testing methods as well as field tests in collaboration with the industrial partners. Examples of specific research questions that may be addressed within the project: • What deposition strategies can be used to integrate alternative hard materials into TS coatings? • How can co-deposition and infiltration techniques be effectively utilized to incorporate solid lubricants into wear-resistant TS coatings? • How do wear behavior and degradation mechanisms in such coatings differ from conventional carbide-based coatings? Subject area: Production Engineering Responsibilities: The doctoral education involves, in addition to participation in doctoral courses and other activities, conducting an independent dissertation project. As a PhD student, the employment period will primarily be dedicated to doctoral education. Read more about this on our website www.hv.se. Eligibility requirements: To qualify for employment as a PhD student, two eligibility requirements must be met: general eligibility and specific eligibility. General eligibility for doctoral education is granted to those who: have completed a degree at both the undergraduate and master's levels, have fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the master's level, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country. Specific eligibility for doctoral education in production engineering is granted to those who have: A master's degree relevant to the subject of doctoral education. A thesis comprising at least 15 credits at the master's level or another written work of equivalent nature and scope. The eligibility requirements can be met through studies in Sweden or abroad. For this position, the following is also required: A master's degree in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or equivalent Experience in research work and scientific writing Documented ability to communicate orally and in writing in English The following qualifications are advantageous for the position: Experience in thermal spraying or other coating methods Experience in material and property characterization of coatings (SEM, EDS, XRD, phase analysis, and performance testing) Experience working in an international team Other: Read about the assessment criteria, duration, and employment conditions at www.hv.se. Application Applications are submitted digitally via University West's recruitment tool Varbi through the university's website. The application should consist of: CV/Resume Cover letter containing: Interest in the research topic Previous experience in the proposed research area Motivation for pursuing doctoral studies Degree certificates for bachelor's and master's levels Master's thesis Diploma Supplement and course list/transcript of all semesters for bachelor's and master's degrees in the original language as well as in translation Other documents that