University West is looking for a post doc in development of functional coatings by powder and liquid feedstock thermal spraying

Thermal spraying (TS) has been one of the important pillars of production technologies’ research at University West for the past two decades and the University’s Thermal Spray Group has rapidly progressed to be acknowledged as a global leader in TS research. A high-power axial-feed capable atmospheric plasma spray (APS) system and a high velocity air-fuel (HVAF) facility lend a rare uniqueness and versatility to the group’s processing capabilities, which are further complemented by a range of allied equipment for process monitoring, coating characterisation and performance assessment of diverse functional coatings that constitute the group’s current portfolio. Apart from closely collaborating with premier international universities and institutes that pursue thermal spray research, the group has a long history of undertaking cutting-edge research projects. These projects not only address exisiting technological needs of the Swedish industry but also demonstrate possibilities for the future through development in processing strategies and/or realization of specific function-driven material combinations and coating architectures.

The Thermal Spray Group at University West is now actively seeking applications from highly motivated and dynamic PhDs with a drive to push the TS envelope to fill an exciting postdoctoral position. The position will primarily straddle various ongoing projects targeting exploitation of TS for diverse applications including fabrication of battery components, repair of aerospace components, introduction of diffusion barriers, performance enhancement of additively manufactured parts. Coating techniques other than TS may also be involved through collaborative activities. The position will also allow the selected candidate freedom to simultaneously explore his/her own interests in complementary fields.

Role Description:
The candidate eventually selected for this full-time position will be expected to actively contribute mainly to ongoing projects. These projects involve, but are not limited to, (i) liquid feedstock thermal sprayed functional layers to serve as electrodes/electrolyte for batteries and solid oxide electrolysis cells, (ii) solid-, liquid- and vapour-derived coatings on additively manufactured parts, (iii) exploring new chemistries for tribological coatings, and (iv) investigating influence of mositure on durability of high-temperature coatings. The activities will mainly involve thermal spray processing using (a) liquid feedstock thermal spraying of suspensions and solution percursors (as exemplified by Suspension Plasma Spraying - SPS and Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying – SPPS) and (b) High Velocity Air-Fuel (HVAF) spraying. The candidate will participate in development/preparation of liquid feedstocks, production of coatings and investigation of coating properties relevant to the projects. As the hands-on technical lead for the projects, the candidate’s role will involve, but not be restricted to, the following:

• Planning of experiments, including construction of design of experiments’ matrices to investigate effect of various spray process variables and finalizing specimen geometries
• Establishing characterization and performance assessment protocols
• Participating in spraying experiments
• Conduct and/or be responsible for characterization and performance evaluation of coatings
• Conduct and/or be responsible for failure analysis of coatings
• Analysis and interpretation of data
• Writing and/or guiding students to write journal manuscripts
• Explore collaborations to complement processing & characterization capabilities at University West

The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in our group's other projects dealing with life extension and repair of components and investigations on coatings with exciting function-dependent architectures (layered, composite or functionally graded) that can be realized utilizing hybrid powder-liquid feedstocks.

Qualifications:
Eligible for appointment as a post doc researcher is someone who has completed a doctoral degree or who has equivalent scientific competence. This qualification requirement must be met by the time the appointment decision is made. Preferably, the person should have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the appointment decision is made. In special circumstances, such a degree may have been completed earlier. Candidates applying for the post doc position must have obtained a PhD degree in mechanical or metallurgical engineering or in related fields that the employer considers as similar. 

The position demands a technical background in and skills related to:

• Processing of thermal spray coatings (at least one of the following: APS, SPS, SPPS, HVOF, HVAF)
• Characterization of coatings (morphology and microstructure by optical & scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, microhardness measurement, phase constitution etc.). Hands-on skills mandatory
• Performance evaluation of coatings (at least one of the following: wear, corrosion, electrochemical testing etc.) Hands-on skills mandatory
• Investigation of failure mechanisms in coatings
• Analysis of data and preparation of manuscripts worthy of submission to peer-reviewed journals, as demonstrated through a good publication record
• Good written & oral communication skills in English

As at least some of the experiments are expected to be conducted in close collaboration with other research groups and with industry, we are looking for a good team-player with an amicable disposition to cooperate with project partners and travel to external collaborator sites if necessary.

 The following skills will be meritorious:

• Hands-on experience in thermal spraying coatings
• Active involvement in development of coatings for any specific functional application
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following: wear / corrosion /electrochemical /thermal barrier coating testing
• Experience in teaching courses relevant to materials science & manufacturing technologies
• Data processing, evaluation and interpretation
• Project leadership
• Supervision of students
• International research and collaborative project experience

Additional information:
A postdoc appointment is a time-limited position primarily focused on research and intended as a first career step after obtaining a doctoral degree. In addition to what is stipulated by the Employment Protection Act (1982:80), a postdoctoral researcher can be employed indefinitely, but for a minimum of two and a maximum of three years. Extensions may be granted for special reason.

The selection process may involve sample lectures, work samples, interviews, and reference checks. Applications should be submitted digitally through our recruitment tool Varbi. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university by the application deadline. Materials that cannot be submitted digitally, such as books and publications, should be marked with reference number R 2023/368 and sent in one copy. For information on how to format your application, please see the Application Guidelines on the University West website.

Applications should be addressed to:
University West
HR
461 86 Trollhättan

The application deadline is 2024-01-22

Welcome with your application!