PhD in computational modelling of effects of defects in mega-cast aluminium

Are you interested in developing computational tools to understand the detailed mechanical behaviour of multi-phase materials? Then this PhD position at Chalmers University of Technology might be the right one for you!

This is a fully funded PhD position to develop micromechanical models of high-pressure die-cast aluminium, a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to work in a collaborative research environment. In this project, you will help to address an important industrial challenge: understanding how defects from mega-casting influence the micromechanical behaviour of aluminium components.

About us
The PhD position is placed at the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics . We foster an inclusive, friendly, and helpful work environment to which we welcome you to contribute. Our activities are focused on the modelling of the mechanics of structures, components, and processes along with involved materials, thereby providing mechanics-based solutions and virtual solution tools to our engineering challenges.

Currently, three postdocs and about 15 PhD students are working within our main research areas: Lightweight materials and structures, multi-phase and metallic materials, Process modeling and simulation, Railway mechanics, and Structural mechanics.

About the research project 
The current PhD position is one out of four within the project RAM3 : “Unlocking the Potential of Recycled Aluminium through Machine Learning, High-Throughput Microanalysis, and Computational Mechanics” - a multidisciplinary research effort at the intersection of machine learning and materials science. This project brings together PhD students and senior researchers from multiple disciplines to tackle challenges in sustainable aluminium.

The aim of RAM3 project is to enable the broad application of recycled aluminium in high-value products produced by mega-casting.
The main objective of the PhD project is to develop a finite element analysis (FEA) framework that can accurately predict the mechanical properties of recycled aluminium. More specifically, the project will focus on advanced numerical methods to understand how defects and different microstructures affect the strength of mega-cast components. As a PhD student, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in materials characterisation, computer vision, computational modelling, and machine learning. 

The other PhD positions connected to the project are: PhD Student Position in Generative AI  

RAM³ is a WASP-WISE NEST project
This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability . WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will cover major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the next 10 years. The vision is for a sustainable future through materials science.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE programme will be a part of the WISE Research School , an ambitious nationwide programme of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Computational Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics or similar* 

• You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Documented experience (education/courses or thesis project with high grades) in computational material mechanics
• Documented experience (education/courses or thesis project with high grades) in advanced concepts of the finite element method
• Documented experience (education/courses or thesis project with high grades) in continuum mechanics
• Interest and high skills in programming

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.
The following experience will strengthen your application: 

• Documented knowledge (education/courses or thesis project) in computational homogenisation
• Documented knowledge (education/courses or thesis project) in computational microscale modelling

What you will do

• Develop a finite element analysis framework to accurately predict mechanical properties of recycled aluminium
• Implement advanced numerical concepts and material models to describe damage initiation and progression in a multi-phase microstructure
• Use the numerical framework to perform numerical studies generating new knowledge on how the existence of various defects impact the strength of recycled aluminium
• Collaborate with a number of PhD students working on complementary project on materials characterisation, microstructure generation and machine learning based materials modelling
• Communicate your research by presenting your results in scientific journals and at international conferences

• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20% of working hours 

Contract terms  

• The PhD positions are fully funded from start. 

• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years. 

• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025). 
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn. 

What we offer 

• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. 

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg . 

• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .  

Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. 

CV 

Personal letter 

• A brief introduction about yourself. 

• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position. 

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts. 

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than August 31st, 2025.  

For questions, please contact:  Martin Fagerström, fagerstrom@chalmers.se , +46 70 224 8731

We look forward to your application! 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  

 Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward. 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14106&rmlang=UK