Assistant Professor in Materials Technology

The Department of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology is seeking a highly motivated researcher who wants to conduct research in the synthesis and processing of battery materials within the field of Materials Technology. The field of Materials Technology conducts research programs in several broad areas, including metallic and ceramic materials (high-temperature intermetallics, aerospace materials, high-strength steels, porous ceramic materials, and materials for energy recovery). The department is part of the School of Engineering Science and Mathematics. Within the school, there are several other research subjects closely related to materials technology, such as material mechanics and machine elements.

At the undergraduate level, two engineering programs with an international profile are particularly important for the department: Master of Science in International Materials Technology (EEIGM). Within these programs, many students conduct project work and thesis work related to our research. The research group in Materials Technology consists of five senior researchers, two technicians, and nine PhD students.

Subject Description

Materials Technology encompasses the composition, structure, properties, and production of materials, primarily metallic and ceramic materials, as well as their application aspects.

Job Responsibilities

The position is linked to the RECAT research center at Luleå University of Technology and focuses on material design, processing, and manufacturing of advanced battery-active materials for sustainable energy storage. The research is directed towards the development and optimization of synthesis routes, surface and interface modification, and understanding the relationship between structure and properties of active materials for current and next-generation battery chemistries.

As an assistant professor, you are expected to plan and conduct research, teaching, supervision, and administrative tasks in line with the long-term goals of the RECAT center and the field of Materials Technology. You will act and develop as a project leader, alongside your own scientific qualification. You are also expected to participate in other projects and in teaching.

For the full announcement, see ltu.se/ledigajobb (https://www.ltu.se/ledigajobb)

Eligibility

To meet the requirements for appointment as an assistant professor, the applicant must:

• hold a doctoral degree, or have a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree

In the first instance, the applicant who has completed their doctoral degree no more than five years before the application deadline should be considered for employment. However, those who have completed their doctoral degree or have achieved equivalent competence earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, or other similar circumstances.

Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria apply to this position:

• scientific competence
• other assessment criteria.

Other assessment criteria in descending order of importance:

• Documented knowledge in the synthesis and processing of active battery materials
• Experience in advanced material characterization
• Ability to collaborate with the surrounding community
• Ability to communicate research and development work
• Very good ability to express oneself in spoken and written English
• Ability to express oneself in spoken and written Swedish is an advantage
• Good knowledge and experience in relevant areas as well as a strong scientific publication record.
• Experience in battery material design, process engineering, powder metallurgy, chemical and physical surface modification of powders, sintering technology, atomization, electron microscopy, and synthesis chemistry is advantageous
• Postdoctoral experience in a relevant research area is advantageous

Employment Duration

This position has a duration of four years.

Promotion to Associate Professor

The purpose of the appointment is to give the teacher the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and to qualify both scientifically and pedagogically to meet the requirements for eligibility for an appointment as an associate professor.

An assistant professor should, after application, be promoted to associate professor and a permanent position if they meet the eligibility requirements for an associate professorship, and in an assessment, are deemed suitable for such a position according to the assessment criteria specified below.

In the assessment, it is required that the assistant professor has completed higher education pedagogical training equivalent to 7.5 credits or has acquired equivalent knowledge in another way.

During the employment period, the assistant professor must also independently, to a significant extent and with high quality, contribute to the university's research and demonstrate good pedagogical skills.

Information

Salary according to applicable local guidelines. The position as assistant professor is placed at the School of Engineering Science and Mathematics, Department of Materials Science. The stationing location is Luleå.

For more information, contact:

Professor Farid Akhtar, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Professor and subject representative Marta-Lena Antti, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Luleå University of Technology actively promotes equality and diversity and aims to create a creative study and work environment. The university's values are based on respect, openness, collaboration, trust, and responsibility.

Application

We encourage you to apply via the application button below, attaching the requested application documents, including a personal letter, a CV, degree certificates, and a two-page research plan for the design, processing, and manufacturing of new battery materials. Follow the link Instructions for Applicants (https://www.ltu.se/ledigajobb) for complete instructions. Mark your application with the reference number below. Applications and degree documents may be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: February 11, 2026
Reference number: 6810-2025