Postdoc in X-ray and Neutron Characterization, KTH Royal Institute Sweden

Summary

The Department of Materials Science at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology is offering a full-time postdoctoral researcher position focused on in-situ and ex-situ synchrotron and neutron characterization of metallic materials. The project centers on advanced experimental methodologies using the custom-built setup at the Swedish beamline at PETRA III (beamline P21.2) to study rapid thermal cycles during additive manufacturing (AM), laser welding, and heat treatment.

Postdoc in X-ray and Neutron Characterization of Metals for Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Key Job Information

Designation

Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc)

Research Area

• Field: Materials Science & Engineering / Metallurgy / Advanced Characterization
• Focus Areas: Synchrotron light & neutron scattering/diffraction (WAXS, SAXS, ND, SANS), in-situ beamline methodology (PETRA III P21.2), additive manufacturing (AM), laser and electron-beam processing, rapid thermal cycles, phase transformations, melt-pool dynamics, and mechanical performance.

Location

Stockholm, Sweden (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Job Description

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on in-situ and ex-situ synchrotron and neutron characterization of metallic materials processed by laser and electron-beam-based technologies (AM, welding, and heat treatment).

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize measurement methodologies and data-analysis workflows for real-time in-situ synchrotron experiments at PETRA III beamline P21.2.
• Investigate material behavior under rapid thermal cycles, melt-pool dynamics, solidification, and phase transformations.
• Utilize complementary laboratory-scale and large-scale characterization tools to link microstructure evolution to mechanical properties (e.g., quasistatic or cyclic loading).
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams involving national and international academic and industrial partners.
• Contribute to research supporting sustainable industrial transformation, circular material flows, and scrap reduction.

Eligibility / Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements:

• Doctoral Degree: A PhD or equivalent foreign degree in Materials Science or a closely related field (must be completed by the time the employment decision is made).
• Characterization Experience: Demonstrated research experience in synchrotron and neutron characterization (e.g., WAXS, SAXS, ND, SANS, and imaging), backed by peer-reviewed journal publications and international conference presentations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Personal Skills: High self-motivation, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, initiative-taking, and ability to lead and collaborate within a research group.

Preferred / Desirable Qualifications:

• PhD obtained within the last 3 years prior to the application deadline.
• Extensive experience in data analysis for synchrotron light or neutron characterization of metals.
• Practical knowledge of electron-beam or laser processing of metallic materials.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical testing, phase transformation analysis, and lab-scale techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD).
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, particularly gender equality.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via KTH’s recruitment system (available through the official job posting link).

Application Package Must Include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing relevant professional and academic experience.
2. Diplomas and Transcripts: Copies of official certificates and grades from previous university studies (with certified English or Swedish translations if original is in another language).
3. Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose: Maximum of two pages explaining why you want to conduct research in this area, your academic interests, and how they align with your past studies and future career goals.

Last Date for Application

September 17, 2026 (by midnight CET/CEST)

Link