University West is looking for a Postdoctoral researcher in Production Technology specializing in Friction Stir Welding 

Research at the Division of Mechanical Engineering (welding and AM) at the Department of Engineering Science focuses on three main areas in relation to welding technology: Metallurgy, Process physics modelling, and Process development and control.

Our main aim is to fundamentally study and improve our understanding of welding and welding-based additive manufacturing processes and their influence on materials. In a new project in cooperation with a consortium of ten different industrial companies, we are seeking a Post doc for a position at University West.

The scientific part of the project

Friction stir welding and processing (FSW/P) is a solid-state and environmentally friendly welding technique, making it an attractive option for industries looking for efficient and sustainable welding solutions. FSW/P does not involve the generation of molten metal, so there is less risk of fumes, gases, and spatter that can result in air pollution or the need for extensive fume extraction systems. This makes FSW/P a cleaner process with reduced environmental impact.

Considerable research effort has been devoted worldwide towards the investigation of FSW/P for different types of aluminium alloys manufactured through different routes such as extrusion, rolling, and cast. At University West, too, a strong research environment in FSW/P of all types of aluminium alloys in similar as well as dissimilar combinations has taken shape with the aid of numerous funded projects implemented in close co-operation with industries. However, there has been very limited previous work globally addressing dissimilar combinations of aluminium alloys and tooling systems.

The Postdoc project will focus on the development of aluminium or copper materials spot welded structures, specifically shedding light on mechanical performance of the joints as well as weld quality. This will demand systematic experimental studies that will investigate build characteristics such as microstructures, precipitates, etc., besides functional properties such as static as well as dynamic loading of the built structures.

Responsibilities/Role Description/Work Duties:

In this postdoc project, among other things, you will work with the following: 

• Conduct advanced research on friction stir welding (FSW) as well as friction stir spot welding (FSSW), including process optimization, material behavior, and joint performance.
• Design, plan, and execute experimental welding trials, including parameter selection, tooling setup, and sample preparation.
• Perform microstructural characterization (optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, EBSD) and mechanical testing (tensile, shear, hardness, fatigue) of welded joints.
• Develop or refine numerical/thermal–mechanical models to understand material flow, heat generation, and defect formation in FSW and FSSW.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports, journal publications, and conference presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists, manufacturing engineers, and industry partners.
• Contribute to proposal writing, project planning, student supervision, and dissemination of research outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, maintain equipment, and support the development of new experimental setups.

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:

• Basic knowledge of aluminium alloys, copper, and titanium metallurgy and welding metallurgy
• Basic knowledge of NDT applied to welding
• Basic programming experience for industrial robots/CNC equipments and related programming software (e.g., ABB RAPID, RobotStudio, KUKASIM, G-code, 3DExperience)
• Basic programming experience in control systems and process analysis software (e.g., LabVIEW, Matlab, Python)

Merits for the position include:

• Experience in friction stir welding experiments (tooling and fixture).
• Experience in friction stir spot welding experiments (tooling and fixture)
• Experience in advanced characterization using techniques such as EBSD, XRD, TEM, etc.
• Experience in material testing such as tensile and fatigue.
• Experience in materials modelling and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated research experience and scientific writing skills in the form of prior publication
• Good teamwork skills.
• Ability to teach in English.
• Willingness to travel and perform experiments outside of University West if needed

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. 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 2025/218 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 2026-03-01

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https://sverigesungaakademi.se/en/publications/a-beginners-guide-to-swedish-academia/

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Welcome with your application!