Doctoral researcher in advanced experimental and simulation approaches to hydrogen embrittlement

The LUT Mechanics of Materials Laboratory is looking for a junior (doctoral) researcher for a project funded by the Research Council of Finland for the following areas:

• mechanics of materials
• hydrogen embrittlement
• finite element simulation
• fatigue 
• solid mechanics

The Mechanics of Materials Laboratory conducts advanced research in mechanical testing, solid mechanics, and the fatigue and fracture behaviour of metallic materials, including steels, aluminium alloys, additively manufactured alloys, and welded components. Our research combines experimental methods with modelling and simulation approaches to support material design and structural analysis, particularly under complex service conditions. These include triaxial stress states, hydrogen-metal interactions, and the effects of various energy carriers. 

The research focuses on the following areas:

• fatigue assessment methods and life prediction
• hydrogen embrittlement
• linear elastic fracture mechanics
• elastic-plastic fracture mechanics
• finite element simulation of the metallic 
• fatigue strength of welded and additively manufactured alloys and components
• relationships of microstructure-mechanical properties 
• novel methods for enhancing the fatigue strength of components
• performance of metallic components at cryogenic temperatures
• structural performance of additive-manufactured components
• failure analysis of structural components
• environmental effect on the mechanical response of components
• electron microscopy and advanced material characterisation

Requirements

You must have a higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or a relevant field, the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University.  

Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies, with all required appendices, to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.

Mandatory skills 

• Experience in simulation and experimental research on metal fatigue and fracture
• Experience in fundamental and practical fatigue testing of metallic components 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently 
• Experience in hydrogen embrittlement and the degradation of mechanical properties

Job description 

• Academic research on the subject; i.e., advanced computational research on the fatigue assessment of components, including the effect of hydrogen
• Project management and reporting
• Academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation or meeting the objectives for the project
• Publishing in high-quality journals and attending international conferences
• Educational tasks related to the subject of your research
• Collaboration with research partners, such as national and international companies and universities (e.g., meetings and presentations)
• Supervising master's students within your research project 

What we offer

• A vibrant research environment in the field of fatigue and hydrogen embrittlement
• Excellent potential for high-quality publications and conference participation
• A fully funded project focusing on advanced research on fatigue and finite element simulation, considering the combined effects of hydrogen and fatigue loading

In addition, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

Employment relationship and salary 

The employment relationship starts with a one-year term, including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies and research have progressed satisfactorily in the first year. 

The position is located in Lappeenranta, at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the LUT School of Energy Systems. 

The starting date is negotiable. The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical annual gross starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 33,407 euros (plus a holiday bonus). 

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 25 July 2025 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC+3h). 

Please fill out the online application form and attach the required documents listed below in English and in PDF format.

• Your curriculum vitae with a separate section on possible research experience (max. 4 pages)
• A copy of your degree certificate and BSc and MSc transcripts; if the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish
• A motivation letter: an account of your merits and activities of significance to the vacancy (max. 1 page)
• Other proof of experience, certificates, or materials demonstrating skills in the area of the offered position

For more information, please contact Masoud Moshtaghi, assistant professor and head of the Mechanics of Materials Laboratory, [email protected], +358 50 565 0973.

Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.

Explore information for international staff.

LUT University | LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: [email protected].

Application period starts: 2025-06-16 14:00Application period ends: 2025-07-25 23:59