Postdoctoral Position in  Development of New Thermal Spray Coating Approaches and Applications at University West

University West, Department of Engineering Science

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 characterization 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 existing 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.

Role Description/Work Duties:

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 for diverse applications(ii) powder-liquid ‘hybrid’ feedstock derived thermal sprayed coating to realize function-dependent architectures, (iii) exploring new chemistries for tribological and thermal barrier coatings, and (iv) assessing reuse of thermal spray waste. The activities will mainly involve thermal spray processing using APS and HVAF. 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
• Writing applications to attract research grants
• Explore collaborations to complement processing & characterization capabilities at University West.

Qualifications:

Eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral 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. The default for a postdoctoral appointment is full-time employment. For more information, please refer to the postdoctoral agreement on the Swedish Agency for Government Employers' website.

In addition, the following is required for this position:

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

• Detailed characterization of materials (morphology and microstructure by optical & scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, microhardness measurement, phase constitution etc.). Hands-on skills mandatory.
• Performance evaluation of materials (at least one of the following: wear, corrosion, electrochemical testing etc.). Hands-on skills mandatory.
• Investigation of failure mechanisms in materials
• 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.

Merits for the Position Include:

• Hands-on experience in thermal spraying or other coating methods
• Active involvement in development of thermal sprayed or any other types 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:

The position is full-time for a period of two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

A position as a post doc 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. 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 2025/187 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 October 22st, 2025

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Welcome with your application!