PhD Candidates in Advanced Arc and Friction Stir Welding Processes for Recycled Aluminium Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology is recruiting a PhD candidate for a 3-year doctoral research fellowship starting in 2027 in Trondheim, Norway. The project sits within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and will be embedded in the welding and joining research activities of SFI FAST (Future Aluminium Structures), in close collaboration with NTNU, SINTEF, and industrial partners in the aluminium value chain.

The research focuses on advanced arc welding and friction stir welding of recycled aluminium alloys, with particular emphasis on how impurities from post-consumer scrap affect weldability, microstructure, defects, and final performance. Key challenges include solidification and liquation cracking, pore formation, heat-affected zone softening, and corrosion resistance degradation. The successful candidate will investigate these issues using conventional welding methods and develop new methodologies to improve welding procedure adoption based on metallurgical characteristics.

Project tasks include developing GTAW and GMAW processes for alloys with different impurity levels, studying the influence of impurities on weld physics and performance, thermodynamic modelling of solidification and precipitation in recycled aluminium, designing weldability tests, and using advanced characterization tools such as laser confocal microscopy, in-situ mechanical testing, SEM, FIB, and EBSD. The PhD candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, work with industrial and academic partners, and contribute to SFI FAST activities including mentoring MSc students.

Eligibility highlights include a relevant Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong academic record and relevant experience in welding metallurgy, material characterization, and experimental welding research. Excellent written and spoken English is required, and preference is given to candidates with knowledge of robotic welding, weld monitoring systems, thermomechanical modelling, and Scandinavian languages. The position is based at NTNU in Trondheim, with Professor Vahid Hosseini listed as supervisor.

Funding details indicate a 3-year PhD fellowship with a gross annual salary of NOK 580,000 depending on qualifications and seniority. The post is conditional on external funding. The application deadline is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Oslo), and applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no with transcripts, diplomas, CV, thesis, project outline, motivation letter, and referee information.