Ph.D. Student in Production Development with a Focus on Laser-Based Wear-Resistant Coatings
Would you like to develop wear-resistant materials that reduce industry’s dependence on tungsten? The Production Development research group at Luleå University of Technology is seeking a doctoral student for the “Green Carbides” project. You will work with laser-based coating and experimental process development—from powder to evaluated coating—in a research group with expertise in laser technology, powder production, and materials characterization.
The position is part of the Product and Production Development Division at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. Here, you will work in an international research environment with access to a laser laboratory and opportunities for collaboration with industry.
https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/produktionsutveckling
Program Description
Production development encompasses both individual manufacturing processes and techniques, as well as the design of entire systems for industrial production. An important area is laser processing.
Project Description
Green Carbides is developing tungsten-reduced wear-resistant materials as alternatives to cast tungsten carbide (CTC) for the steel and mining industries. The goal is to develop and demonstrate at least three materials with mechanical properties comparable to those of CTC. The project encompasses material design, the production of spherical powders via atomization, laser cladding on steel, and the evaluation of properties and circularity potential.
The doctoral research focuses on the relationships between the powder’s properties, the coating process parameters, and the microstructure and wear performance of the finished coating. You will work alongside researchers in production development and materials engineering.
Job Responsibilities
The work involves experimental research and analysis supported by relevant theory. You will primarily:
- Plan and perform laser-based powder coating on steel and investigate how laser power, processing speed, and powder feed rate affect the results.
- Develop and adapt experimental setups, powder feed systems, and motion paths, and use process monitoring to understand and improve the process.
- Participate in powder production and powder characterization, and evaluate the microstructure, phase formation, adhesion to the substrate, hardness, and wear resistance of the coatings.
- Analyze and document experimental results, contribute to the project’s sustainability assessments, and present results in scientific publications, at conferences, and in industry dialogues.
The doctoral program also includes doctoral courses and work on the doctoral dissertation. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included.
Qualifications
Basic eligibility is granted to those who have earned a degree at the advanced level, completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 are at the advanced level, or have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. In addition, the specific admission requirements in the general curriculum for production development must be met.
A relevant educational background includes a Master of Science in Engineering or a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, production engineering, materials science, physics, or a related technical field; alternatively, a foreign degree deemed to meet the eligibility requirements.
The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills in English. You must be able to work systematically on technical issues, analyze results, and document your work. You must be able to take responsibility for your own tasks and collaborate within a research group.
Preferred experience:
- Experimental work with laser-based metal processing, particularly powder-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) or laser cladding.
- Development of experimental setups and systematic parameter optimization in manufacturing technology.
- Process monitoring and analysis of measurement data, for example using high-speed video, thermography, or pyrometry.
- Robot or CNC programming for manufacturing processes.
- Powder handling, comparison of powder properties, or evaluation of reused powder.
- Material characterization, metallography, or mechanical testing of metals or wear-resistant coatings.
Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to succeed in the doctoral program, in accordance with the general study plan. When assessing project-related qualifications, particular emphasis is placed on documented experimental experience in laser-based metal processing and process development. Experience from a thesis, internship, and employment may be taken into account. You do not need to have all of the qualifying experiences
For further information on specific doctoral programs, see
http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
Information
Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years; teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time hours. Location: Luleå. Start date: January 1, 2027.
A preliminary https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Informationomlonetransparens is specified for each position, based on the position’s requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions.
For further information, please contact Professor Johanne Mouzon at 0920-49 1960 or mailto:johanne.mouzon@ltu.se
https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below, where you should attach a cover letter, your resume, and copies of your verified diplomas. Please be sure to include the reference number below in your application. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Application deadline: November 9, 2026
Reference number: 5143-2026