PhD Candidate in Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) Sensors for Composite Materials Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is offering a 3-year PhD position at ASEMlab, the Laboratory of Advanced and Sustainable Engineering Materials, at the Gjøvik campus in Norway. The project is part of Horizon Europe-funded activities and focuses on laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensors for composite materials.

The doctoral candidate will work on developing a LIG sensor system for in-situ process monitoring of fibre-reinforced composite systems, taking the technology from lab-scale prototypes toward integration in demonstrators. The role sits at the intersection of functional 2D materials, printed electronics, industrial composite manufacturing, and structural health monitoring. The work will be carried out within ASEMlab, a research environment with extensive facilities for manufacturing, sensor development, laser systems, thermal and physico-chemical analysis, mechanical and thermomechanical testing, accelerated ageing, micro-CT, CMM, and ultrasound imaging.

Research tasks include designing and fabricating laser-induced graphene sensors and sensor arrays for temperature, strain, and pressure sensing; characterising and calibrating them using advanced analytical methods; benchmarking them against complementary sensing technologies such as fibre optics; and developing the complete data-acquisition chain and data-import protocols. The PhD candidate will analyse data, publish in leading international journals, present at conferences, and contribute to project deliverables, training workshops, and dissemination activities.

The position is hosted by the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, NTNU, and the immediate leader will be the Head of Department. The position is associated with the ASEMlab research group, which studies polymers and composite materials across their full life cycle, including advanced manufacturing, sensing, non-destructive evaluation, durability and ageing, recycling and circularity, and sustainability assessment.

Eligibility requirements include a relevant master’s degree in materials science/engineering, electronics/mechatronics, applied physics, nanotechnology, mechanical/manufacturing engineering, or equivalent, with a major independent project equivalent to a master’s thesis. Applicants should have a strong academic record, hands-on laboratory experience, and strong knowledge of solid-state physics/chemistry and materials characterisation. Very good English skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred qualifications include experience with electromechanical sensors, printed or flexible sensors, graphene or other carbon-based functional materials, laser synthesis or laser micromachining, electronics prototyping, Python or LabVIEW, source meters, potentiostats or impedance analysers, and fibre-reinforced composite manufacturing. The role may involve travel for project tests and demonstration campaigns in Europe.

The appointment is for three years and is conditional on external funding. The stated salary is normally NOK 550,800 per year depending on qualifications and seniority. Applicants must gain admission to the NTNU PhD programme in Engineering Science within three months of employment.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 11 September 2026. Required attachments include a CV, diplomas and transcripts, a motivation letter, the MSc thesis or draft, relevant publications or outputs, proof of English proficiency where applicable, and at least two referees. If education was completed abroad, additional documentation of scope and quality is required.