Mikael Hedenqvist

This doctoral position at KTH Royal Institute of Technology focuses on polymeric materials in nuclear power plants, within a dynamic research environment dedicated to advancing nuclear technology and safety. The project integrates three pillars: fundamental understanding of ageing mechanisms in safety-critical polymer components under service-relevant conditions, non-destructive condition monitoring using portable T2-NMR, and uncertainty-aware AI models embedded in digital twin workflows. These approaches aim to deliver safer life extension estimations for Swedish nuclear power plants, supporting risk-based inspection, maintenance, and replacement strategies. The doctoral student will investigate the mechanisms and kinetics of ageing in polymeric components such as cables, seals, and coatings, considering factors like temperature, irradiation, humidity, dose rate, and oxygen availability. Research questions include how these factors interact to drive chemical and mobility changes, and under what conditions DLO and plasticiser migration dominate. The project also explores acceleration protocols and their representativeness. Collaboration with other subprojects, including material development and AI-based modelling, ensures access to modern infrastructure and international partnerships. Supervision is provided by Professor Mikael Hedenqvist (main supervisor), with assistant supervisors Payam Pourmand, Richard Olsson, and Fritjof Nilsson. The position offers a strong research environment, workplace benefits, and a monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement. Employment is full-time for up to four years, with renewal options, and includes opportunities for training and administration (up to 20%). Applicants must have a relevant master's degree or equivalent, documented knowledge in polymeric materials, material characterization, or material physics, and English proficiency equivalent to English B/6. Meritorious qualifications include experience in aging studies, degradation of polymers, spectroscopy (FTIR/NMR), and mechanical testing. Selection emphasizes personal skills such as goal orientation, perseverance, independence, collaboration, professionalism, and analytical ability. Security clearance may be required for some positions. To apply, submit your application through KTH's recruitment system by the deadline (March 5, 2026). Required documents include CV, application letter, diplomas, grades, certificates of language requirements, and representative publications or technical reports. Translations and certified copies are needed if documents are not in English or Swedish. KTH offers a creative and dynamic environment, good working conditions, and attractive benefits, with a commitment to equality, diversity, and equal opportunities.

The Polymeric Materials Division at KTH Royal Institute of Technology is offering two fully funded PhD positions in the fields of polymeric materials, material physics, and non-destructive diagnostics. The research addresses critical challenges in energy, safety, and sustainability, focusing on the ageing and diagnostics of polymers used in nuclear power plants and other demanding environments. Project 1: Ageing of Polymers in Nuclear Power Plants. This project aims to deepen the understanding of ageing mechanisms in safety-critical polymer components under operational conditions such as temperature, radiation, humidity, and oxygen availability. The research will enable more accurate lifetime predictions for existing components and inform the design of new, longer-lasting materials. The work integrates fundamental studies of chemical and mobility changes in polymers with risk-reducing strategies and advanced monitoring techniques, including AI-based modeling and digital twin workflows. Project 2: Material Physics and Non-Destructive Diagnostics of Polymers. This project focuses on developing non-destructive methods for monitoring the condition and assessing the lifespan of polymeric materials in nuclear environments. Techniques such as low-field NMR and advanced material characterization will be used to establish quantitative links between molecular dynamics, microstructure, and functional degradation. The goal is to create robust, material-anchored indicators for non-destructive lifetime assessment in safety-critical settings. Both projects are part of a larger, interdisciplinary research program with strong international collaborations and access to modern infrastructure. The research environment is dynamic and supportive, offering opportunities for professional growth and development. Supervision: The main supervisors are Professor Mikael Hedenqvist and Professor Richard Olsson, with Payam Pourmand and Fritjof Nilsson as assistant supervisors. The projects are based at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in materials science, polymer technology, engineering physics, chemical engineering, or a related field. Required skills include knowledge of polymeric materials, material characterization, or material physics, and proficiency in English (English B/6 or equivalent). Merits include experience in ageing studies, polymer degradation, spectroscopy (FTIR/NMR), mechanical testing, and programming or data analysis related to material characterization. Personal qualities such as goal orientation, persistence, independence, teamwork, and analytical ability are highly valued. Funding: These are fully funded PhD positions with a monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral salary agreement. Employment is full-time for up to four years, with benefits and working conditions as per KTH's regulations. Doctoral students may undertake up to 20% departmental duties. Application: Applications must be submitted via KTH's recruitment system by March 5, 2026. Required documents include a CV, cover letter, degree certificates, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and relevant publications. All documents should be in English or Swedish, with certified translations if necessary. For more information, visit the KTH job portal or contact Professor Mikael Hedenqvist ([email protected]) or Professor Richard Olsson ([email protected]).