Postdoctoral researcher position in the field of Microstructural Insights into the Plasticity, Fatigue, and Fracture Behavior of Advanced High-Strength Steels – Experiments and Simulations

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us to Faculty of Technology, in the field of Microstructural Insights into the Plasticity, Fatigue, and Fracture Behavior of Advanced High-Strength Steels – Experiments and Simulations.

The Materials and Mechanical Engineering unit is aiming to be a world-leading research unit in the field of physical metallurgy of high-strength steels, with a focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of modern machines, vehicles, and structures. We strive to provide innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges and to contribute to the development of modern structure and mobile machinery that are both environment friendly as well as cost-effective.

About the job

One highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher with a thorough understanding of physical metallurgy is hired to join the Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit for a highly ambitious, groundbreaking project funded by the Kvantum Institute. This spearhead project of the Kvantum Institute focuses on developing advanced ultrahigh-strength, fatigue-resistant steels through innovative processing techniques, contributing to a sustainable future. The research aims to design multiphase steels with optimized microstructures to achieve exceptional strength-ductility-toughness balance, together with excellent hydrogen embrittlement and fatigue resistance, supported by microstructure-based fatigue modelling.

The project entails an in-depth investigation of the influence of size, morphology, distribution, and stability of multiphase microstructures on various deformation and fracture mechanisms under both uniaxial and cyclic loading conditions. By exploring the structure-property relationships, the objective will be to refine alloy compositions and processing methods, while achieving multiscale unique microstructures that offer superior resistance to fatigue and hydrogen-induced cracking. The project aims to develop a simulation framework that combines CALPHAD thermodynamic and diffusion models with a phase field microstructure evolution model to simulate hydrogen buildup near a crack tip and validate the findings with experimental data.

Overall, the project integrates physical simulation experiments and CALPHAD thermodynamic modeling together with advanced microscopy techniques to uncover the physical mechanisms driving phase transformations, ensuring optimal material performance.

Responsibilities

• Conducting original high quality research to develop innovative steel compositions and processing methods aimed at enhancing fatigue and hydrogen resistance.
• Applying different modeling techniques to simulate microstructural evolution and predict the effect of processing parameters on material properties.
• Development of new modelling solutions to predict the fatigue resistance of ultrahigh strength steels.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and engineers to design and execute experimental studies to validate modeling predictions. 
• Analyze experimental data to gain insights into the mechanisms governing hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
• Present research findings at conferences, publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the scientific community.
• Work closely with industry partners to ensure the relevance and applicability of research outcomes to real-world engineering challenges.
  
  

Who are you?

Requirements for the position

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field that was awarded not more than five years ago.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
• Capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Motivated and self-driven with a passion for scientific research and innovation.
• Flair for writing high-quality scientific papers for publication in premier scientific journals.

 The following merits are seen as strong advantages:

• Strong background in steel design, physical metallurgy of steel, and materials characterization techniques.
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with low/high cycle fatigue and fatigue crack growth experiments.
• Experience with CALPHAD thermodynamic/diffusion models and/or phase field simulations.
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is for a fixed term of 4 years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The starting salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3700 - 3900 € per month (before taxes). Later the salary follows the YPJ salary system of Finnish Universities. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply through our recruitment system by 15.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time).

The application should be written in English and include the following:
1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarising the applicant’s professional experience and expertise, and describing research interests and motivation related to the research project.
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages) A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/)
4. Certificates/Diplomas, scanned copies of the original relevant PhD degree certificates and transcript of records if available, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English
5. A copy of the PhD thesis. If you have recently submitted your thesis, a draft can be provided.
6. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact
Sumit Ghosh (sumit.ghosh@oulu.fi) tel. +358 505946218
Jukka Kömi (jukka.komi@oulu.fi) tel. +358 405490311