Postdoc in atom probe tomography for sustainable metals

The Hultgren Laboratory at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in atom probe tomography (APT). The successful candidate will join our materials characterization team and conduct research aimed at advancing the sustainability of metallic materials.

Reference number: PA-2026-2700.

Job description

The Hultgren Laboratory at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in atom probe tomography (APT). The successful candidate will join our materials characterization team and conduct research aimed at advancing the sustainability of metallic materials.

The Hultgren Laboratory is equipped with an EIKOS-UV atom probe instrument (laser and voltage pulse modes), funded through Hugo Carlsson's Foundation under Jernkontoret, KTH research infrastructure, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Our research focuses on sustainable metallic and composite materials, with ongoing projects spanning hydrogen-tolerant alloys for fossil-free energy systems, metallic materials for electrification of the automotive industry, alloy design compatible with high recycled-material content, and nanoscale precipitation and trace element behavior across different material systems.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct APT characterization and data analysis as a core part of individual and collaborative research projects, and apply complementary techniques to establish process–structure–property correlations in metallic materials. The role also involves contributing to the development of novel alloys and processing routes through advanced microstructural understanding, collaborating with academic and industrial partners in Sweden and internationally, and supporting student supervision and dissemination of results through publications and conferences.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in materials science, materials physics, materials characterization, or closely-related area for the proposed research. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated experience in APT characterization of metallic materials, including specimen preparation, data acquisition, and reconstruction/analysis
• The ability to express yourself very well in English, spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work
• You are self-motivated with a strong ability to take initiative and run projects

As a person, you have well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and like to take responsibility. You have strong collaboration skills including the ability to lead and to support research.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Background in physical metallurgy and solid-state phase transformations·
• Experience with complementary characterization techniques (e.g., FIB-SEM, TEM)
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge, particularly on APT and metallurgy.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of how you fit the position, and what are your research interests and future goals. Max two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Contract details

• Number of positions: 1
• First day of employment: According to agreement
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden
• Contact: Peter Hedström (pheds@kth.se)
• Contact: Tao Zhou (taozhou@kth.se)

Apply via the official KTH vacancy page. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email are typically not considered unless the vacancy states otherwise.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in materials science, materials physics, materials characterization, or closely-related area for the proposed research. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated experience in APT characterization of metallic materials, including specimen preparation, data acquisition, and reconstruction/analysis
• The ability to express yourself very well in English, spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work
• You are self-motivated with a strong ability to take initiative and run projects

As a person, you have well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and like to take responsibility. You have strong collaboration skills including the ability to lead and to support research.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Background in physical metallurgy and solid-state phase transformations·
• Experience with complementary characterization techniques (e.g., FIB-SEM, TEM)
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.