Torgeir Welo

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for two PhD positions in aluminium extrusion and forming, funded through the Centre for Research-based Innovation SFI FAST – Future Aluminium Structures. These are 3-year doctoral research fellowships starting in 2026, embedded in the forming research activities of SFI FAST, a national centre led by NTNU in collaboration with SINTEF and 16 leading industrial partners across the aluminium value chain. SFI FAST is one of Norway’s most ambitious long-term research initiatives in aluminium materials, manufacturing technologies, and circular economy, running from 2026 to 2033. The centre aims to establish the scientific and technological foundation for large-scale use of post-consumer scrap (PCS) aluminium in high-value, structural, and safety-critical products. FAST integrates materials science, manufacturing processes, product and structural design, and lifecycle performance, and will develop the FAST Virtual Lab—a digital framework combining experimental data, physics-based models, and data-driven methods to support design, manufacturing, and decision-making. Education and competence building are central to FAST, with more than 18 PhD and postdoctoral researchers and over 100 MSc students expected to participate. The two PhD positions advertised will be among the first to start in the centre, offering opportunities to work closely with NTNU, SINTEF, and international industrial partners. PhD Position 1: Aluminium Extrusion of Recycled Materials This position focuses on aluminium extrusion of profiles with high recycled content. Research topics include process–microstructure–property relationships, weld integrity, die design, and product quality in extrusion of complex profiles from post-consumer scrap aluminium. The candidate will establish and validate numerical forming simulations, predict PCS effects on weld and surface quality, integrate microstructure and texture evolution into models, conduct industrial experiments, and demonstrate validity through project use-cases. The work involves practical experiments, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation, with close collaboration with industrial partners and responsibility for reporting progress to the FAST centre. PhD Position 2: Forming Processes for Recycled Aluminium This position addresses advanced forming of recycled aluminium, focusing on cold and hot forming technologies such as forging, bending, and profile forming of aluminium alloys with high PCS content. The research targets challenges related to formability, process robustness, surface integrity, and properties under increased material variability, aiming to develop adaptive and resilient forming strategies for sustainable manufacturing. The candidate will develop and validate advanced numerical forming models, integrating thermo-mechanical behavior, microstructure evolution, and process requirements. Experimental work includes laboratory and industrial-scale forming trials, mechanical testing, and microstructural characterization, with validation through industrial use cases. The research aligns with Industry 5.0 principles, emphasizing human-centric, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing. Eligibility and Requirements Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level. Master students may apply if the degree is completed before the start date. A strong academic background with an average grade B or better (NTNU scale) is required; weaker grades may be considered with evidence of suitability. Experience in continuum-based modelling using FEA software and good written and oral English skills are required. Preferred qualifications include skills in material characterization and microstructural analysis of aluminium alloys, experience in machine tool design for metal forming, and familiarity with analytical, data-driven, or AI modelling methods. Funding and Benefits The positions offer a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. Employment is for 3 years and is externally funded. Additional benefits include access to employee benefits, working capital, membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2). Application Process Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 29 June 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas, CV, master's thesis or draft, project outline, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and names/contact info of three referees. All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. If invited for interview, certified copies of certificates and diplomas must be provided. NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect the diversity in society, promoting equality and inclusion. The university offers a stimulating international academic environment, career guidance, and a mentor programme for new employees. The city of Trondheim provides a rich cultural scene, excellent welfare, and opportunities for education and family life. For questions about the position, contact Professor Torgeir Welo at [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, contact HR Senior Consultant Hedda Winnberg at [email protected].

NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) is offering a 3-year PhD position in aluminium extrusion within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Trondheim, Norway. The position is part of the Centre for Research-based Innovation SFI FAST – Future Aluminium Structures, a national research centre focused on enabling large-scale use of post-consumer scrap aluminium in high-value structural and safety-critical products. The project is embedded in FAST’s forming research activities and carried out in close collaboration with NTNU, SINTEF, and leading industrial partners across the aluminium value chain, including Hydro, Benteler Automotive, Raufoss Technology, Speira, Raufoss Aluminium, and Renault. The research focus is aluminium extrusion of profiles with high recycled content, with emphasis on process–microstructure–property relationships, weld integrity, die design, and product quality for complex profiles made from post-consumer scrap aluminium. The PhD candidate will work on establishing and validating numerical forming simulations, predicting post-consumer scrap effects on seam and charge weld quality and surface quality, integrating microstructure and texture evolution into models, integrating quenching sequences in modelling, and conducting industrial extrusion experiments. The work combines theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and practical experimentation, including mechanical and microstructural characterization tests. The candidate will also help report progress and deliver outputs to the FAST centre. A possible cotutelle (dual) PhD degree between NTNU and the University of Bologna is mentioned, which may be attractive for candidates interested in international doctoral training and exchange. The role is well suited to applicants with interests in metal forming, aluminium processing, advanced simulation, and sustainable manufacturing. Applicants must hold, or complete before starting, a relevant Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or an equivalent field, with a major independent project equivalent to a master’s thesis. A strong academic record is required, along with experience in continuum-based modelling using FEA software and good written and oral English skills. Preferred experience includes aluminium alloy characterization and microstructural analysis, machine-tool development for metal forming, data-driven or AI-based modelling, and industrial research experience. The position offers a gross annual salary normally of NOK 580,000, along with pension and employee benefits. NTNU also highlights an international academic environment, industrial network, dedicated PhD community, mentoring, and career guidance. The application deadline is 1 November 2026, and applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no with transcripts, diplomas, CV, thesis, project outline, motivation letter, references, and supporting documentation for any foreign education.

NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) is advertising up to two PhD positions in Systems Engineering / New Product Development at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Trondheim, Norway. The positions are part of the SFI-CELECT centre (Research Centre for Effective Engineering and Learning in Complex Systems), a large research-based innovation initiative funded by the Research Council of Norway and industrial partners. The research environment connects NTNU with the University of South-Eastern Norway, University of Agder, the Technical University of Denmark, and leading industrial partners in manufacturing, defence and aerospace, and maritime sectors. The PhD appointments are 3-year doctoral research fellowships starting in 2026/2027. Each candidate will be embedded in the broader SFI-CELECT doctoral community and will work in an industry-as-laboratory setting with strong links between academia and practice. The centre focuses on improving innovation and product realization capabilities through new methodologies, methods, tools, digitalization, and AI-enabled approaches for complex systems. Two thematic PhD projects are available. The first examines strategies for leveraging cross-functional knowledge flows in digitally supported new product development processes, with attention to how digital tools enable, limit, and reshape collaboration across functional boundaries. The second focuses on optimizing product design for efficient manufacturing using digital tools throughout the NPD process, including Design for Manufacturing (DfM) strategies, digital thread concepts, decision support, and integration of manufacturing considerations early in development. Successful applicants will carry out high-quality research, publish in journals and conferences, participate in associated research groups, engage with companies, and take part in international activities such as conferences and research stays abroad. The positions also involve active participation in the SFI-CELECT doctoral team, INRESCOS research school, and common workshops, learning events, and courses. Applicants should have a relevant Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Management, or equivalent, with a substantial independent project (minimum 30 ECTS). A strong academic record, English proficiency, and eligibility for NATO security clearance are required. Final-year master's students at NTNU's IV Faculty may apply under specific integrated PhD arrangements. The salary for a PhD Candidate (code 1017) is normally NOK 580,000 per year, with standard Norwegian public sector benefits. The application deadline is 16 November 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Oslo). Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no and include transcripts, diplomas, CV, thesis material, a project outline, a motivation letter, and contact details for three referees.