Doctoral student (Licentiate) in Engineering Materials Science KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

The KTH Royal Institute of Technology invites applications for a doctoral student (Licentiate) position in Engineering Materials Science, focusing on the sustainability and performance of cemented carbide tools. Cemented carbides are vital to Sweden’s manufacturing, construction, and mining sectors due to their exceptional hardness and wear resistance. However, the supply of virgin tungsten and cobalt is uncertain, and only a small fraction of tools are currently produced from recycled materials. This project aims to advance the mechanistic understanding of how recycled raw materials, often containing impurities, influence the microstructure and performance of cemented carbides in demanding applications such as metal cutting and rock excavation.

The research builds on a pre-study involving real-time characterization under simulated loading conditions, which demonstrated strong potential for elucidating how impurities and microstructure govern material behavior. The doctoral work will be conducted within the CHARM project, funded by Vinnova, and will involve close collaboration with leading industrial partners including Sandvik Coromant, Seco Tools, and Sandvik Mining, as well as researchers at KTH and Lund University. The project is also connected to Vinnova’s competence centre NEXT and European networks such as AIM-NEXT and RESQTOOL.

Key research activities include developing new characterization methods, analyzing microstructure–property relationships, and optimizing recycled cemented carbides based on knowledge-driven approaches. The overarching goal is to enable high-performance tools made from recycled materials, thereby enhancing sustainability, competitiveness, and raw-material security for Swedish and European industry.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. Peter Hedström and Dr. Lisa Toller Nordström. The position targets a Licentiate degree and is open to candidates who meet the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance requirements: a second cycle degree (e.g., master's), at least 240 higher education credits (with 60 at the second-cycle level), or equivalent knowledge. English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 is mandatory. Selection will emphasize personal skills, independence, collaboration, professionalism, and analytical ability.

The position is full-time, temporary, and includes a monthly salary according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement, along with employee benefits. Employment may be renewed up to the maximum period for a Licentiate degree (two years full-time). Security clearance may be required for certain roles. KTH offers a creative and dynamic environment, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and sustainability.

To apply, submit your application via KTH’s recruitment system by the deadline. Required documents include CV, application letter, diplomas, grades, certificates of language proficiency, and representative publications or technical reports. Certified translations are needed if documents are not in English or Swedish. For further information, contact Dr. Peter Hedström ([email protected]) or Dr. Lisa Toller Nordström ([email protected]).

Join KTH and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable materials science in Sweden and Europe.