Malmo

Reference number P 2026/999

Malmö University is an innovative, urban, and internationally-oriented academic institution that, thanks to its committed and experienced staff, contributes to societal development. Here, teachers, researchers, and other employees with various competencies work together to conduct high-quality education and research. All professional categories and roles are important. You are welcome to apply for a job with us!

Here you can learn more about what it's like to work at Malmö University: Work with us

We are looking for
Doctoral student in Applied Physics: Time-of-flight neutron imaging at the Faculty of Technology and Society

Work duties
Those appointed to an employment as av doctoral student shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to an employment as a doctoral student may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, other research, artistic research and administration, however, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post (Chapter 5, Section 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

This position is part of the PIE (Pillars of Imaging at ESS) project which is a joint effort between Malmö University, Lund University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology with the aim of building a strong foundation in neutron imaging at the European Spallation Source (ESS). The project comprises three pillars focussing on different aspects of neutron imaging such as optimizing experiment design, tomographic imaging for 3D resolution, and quantification, analysis and modelling of hyperspectral imaging data.

This PhD project will focus on developing methods for analysis and quantification of time-of-flight neutron imaging data, with a particular emphasis on the spectral domain (i.e. the wavelength dependent interaction between neutrons and samples). Such methods might involve, e.g., denoising of data, exploring super-resolution, fitting of spectra, and interfacing with and developing models of the neutron interaction. The interfacing with models is of key interest, as it can open new possibilities for materials characterisation, for example, related to thermography (i.e. exploiting the temperature dependency of the neutron interaction) for applications related to, e.g. sand batteries or frost damage in concrete. The developed methods will be used to analyse both existing data and data acquired as part of the PIE project.

Qualifications
To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements of the subject in question. Moreover, the applicant must be deemed capable of assimilating the education.

General entry requirements for doctoral studies and study programmes (HEO Chapter 7 Section 39) have those who:

• been awarded a second-cycle qualification
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes have those who:

• have knowledge and skills equivalent to a second-cycle degree in applied physics or in another subject that has relevance for applied physics, or
• have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in or outside Sweden
• are proficient in English to the extent required for conducting postgraduate studies in applied physics

Selection criteria
Selection among applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements shall be made with regard to their capacity to assimilate the education (HEO Chapter 7 Section 41).

The following general criteria will be used.

• Subject competence
• Scientific quality in previous work
• Methodological and scientific maturity
• Communication and collaborative skills

Documented experience with one or more of the following will be considered merits:

• Scientific programming (especially in Python)
• Image analysis or analysis of other types of large datasets
• X-ray or neutron experiments at large-scale research infrastructures
• Hyperspectral imaging
• Density field theory or molecular dynamics simulations
• Machine learning

Second-cycle exams relevant for this position are computational materials science, physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, or equivalent.

Faculty, Department and Research environment
The Faculty of Technology and Society conducts education and research with a focus on technology and natural sciences at the two departments of Computer Science and Media Technology and Materials Science and Applied Mathematics. The faculty collaborates with companies and other organizations with the aim of raising the level of expertise, creating new products, developing businesses and giving students an early connection to their future working life. Our research collaborations and employees from a large number of countries give the activities an international character. More information about the faculty can be found here: Link

The Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics employs around forty dedicated teachers, researchers and doctoral students in a dynamic and international environment. We offer education in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, including a Technical Foundation Year, a Technical Foundation Semester and three higher education engineering programs: Building Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Product Development and Design. We also offer a 2-year international master's program in Materials Science and Engineering. Our department is a place of constant development and here you will have the opportunity to grow, be involved and influence your own future as well as the department's. We conduct research in close collaboration with both private and public actors, with a focus on areas such as materials science, physics, applied mathematics and construction science. More information can be found here: Link

Further information
Head of department Katja Frid, 073-725 37 40, [email protected]

Associate Professor Johan Hektor, [email protected]

In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

You can read more about the benefits of working in Sweden here: Work in Sweden – Careers, work permits and moving to Sweden

Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the job advertisement, and that it is submitted to the University no later than 15 of June. The application must be written in Swedish, English or any of the Nordic languages. As an applicant, you are responsible for the application and its appendices being translated.

The application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Diplomas, transcript of records and other certificates relevant for the position
• Cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Independent work at advanced level (including master thesis or equivalent).
• At least two references with complete contact details.

Miscellaneous
Preparation of admission to postgraduate education and employment as a doctoral student take place in parallel. Only those who are or have been admitted to doctoral level courses and study programmes at a higher education may be appointed to doctoral studentships (HEO Chapter 5, section 3).

The doctoral studentship is a fixed-term position comprising four years of full-time studies, in accordance with the HEO Chapter 5, section 7. A doctoral student shall be employed for an indefinite period but for no longer than until a specified date, and never for longer than a year after the doctoral degree or artistic doctoral degree has been completed. The first appointment must be limited to one year at the most. The appointment can be extended by a maximum of two years at a time.

Malmö University actively promotes gender equality and equal opportunities in order to offer a workplace and a university characterised by an open and inclusive approach.

As part of this:

• Applicants of an underrepresented gender are given priority for admission, if they are equally able to benefit from the programme.
• Doctoral students with permanent disabilities are given the opportunity to receive support and adaptations during their studies, so that everyone can study on equal terms in a good study environment.

Employees who do not speak Swedish should learn Swedish in the long term so that they can participate in the daily and ongoing work of the institution or department.

Malmö University applies salary setting for doctoral students in accordance with a local agreement on salary setting for doctoral students.

If the admitted person requires a residence permit to live in Sweden and pursue their studies, the University reserves the right to revoke the admission decision if the admitted person cannot present a valid residence permit as required on the date they are due to commence their education.

Interview
Interviews are planned to take place during the morning of 18 June. Start date
2026-09-01 or by agreement.

Union representatives
Saco-S: Jenny Vikman, [email protected]

OFR/ST: Jelena Hovstadius, [email protected]

PhD Student Union representative
[email protected]

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

You apply no later than 15/06/2026 by clicking the apply button.