KTH Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Fibre and Polymer Technology. It encompasses both fundamental and applied Chemical sciences and seeks sustainable development through scientific excellence. Many research activities are interdisciplinary across the borders from Chemistry to Materials science, Environmental science, Biochemistry, Biology and Medicine. The School offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Chemistry, Degree Programs in Engineering Chemistry, Technical Preparatory Year and three international master programs: Chemical Engineering for Energy and the Environment, Macromolecular Materials and Molecular Science and Engineering. We also cooperate with the master programs Energy and Environment, Materials Design and Biotechnology.

The Reactor Physics group at the department of physics conducts research on Generation IV reactors for transmutation of nuclear waste, advanced nuclear fuel development and the physics of radiation damage. The group works with both theory and experiment and is located in the AlbaNova University Centre.

The Nuclear Chemistry group at the department of chemistry performs research on chemistry and material issues connected to nuclear technology. A large part of the research is focused on radiation induced processes at interfaces.

Job description

Irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking is one of the potentially life limiting phenomena of components in light water reactors. The decrease of critical stress for onset of crack initiation, and the time dependent degradation of the mechanical strength of the metallic components can severely limit the lifetime of reactor vessel internal components. The combined effect of persistent radiation, aggressive water chemistry and applied primary and secondary strains are the underlying factors for the cracking. The water chemistry for the reactor internals is, relative to other reactor components, affected by the irradiation primarily through radiolysis, by changing the corrosion potential through formation of radiolytic radicals and molecules that can be either reducing or oxidizing. At the same time, the component material is affected by the irradiation by the introduction of point defects. Their diffusion evolves the microstructure of the material. Numerous radiation induced phenomena are activated simultaneously, such as radiation-induced segregation, dislocation loop formation, subsequent hardening, swelling and irradiation induced creep. Taken together, the radiolysis and the microstructure evolution opens up new pathways for cracking that would not appear in the absence of a corrosive chemical or a radiation environment.

This project will be a collaboration effort between experimental chemistry and theoretical materials science. The PhD student will work on both fronts and combine the results to further the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking phenomenon. There will be a strong collaboration with both the KTH Solid mechanics department and with an experimental campaign (ICEWATER) at Uppsala University in the framework of the SKC-funded MåBiL consortium.

The employment is for four years with half of the time at Reactor Physics and half of the time at Nuclear Chemistry. An extension up to a maximum of five years is possible. Up to 20 percent department duties are included in the employment.

Qualifications

A suitable background for this position would be a Master of Science in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or Nuclear Engineering with a specialization in computational material science or radiation chemistry. In addition to the traditional academic merits, a relevant degree project, international experience, and language skills are regarded as advantageous qualifications.

Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies, possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis as well as possessing good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities. An excellent command of the English language is required.

Trade union representatives

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Application

Log into KTH’s recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application.

The application must contain the following documents in PDF format.

• Statement of professional interest
• CV
• Transcripts from university/university college
• Example of technical writing, e. g., thesis, essay, course report or scientific paper

Others

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