Project Description

Third-cycle subject: Physics, Specialization in Nuclear Engineering

The Nuclear Power Safety group within the Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) Division conducts research on accident phenomena relevant to existing and future nuclear reactors. We perform safety analyses for nuclear power plants, including design basis and severe accident analyses, often in collaboration with international partners.

We are seeking two doctoral students to conduct cutting-edge research on: (1) interactions of core melt with below-RPV structures during severe accidents of light water reactors, and (2) natural circulation in advanced water and lead-cooled nuclear reactors. These projects are funded by the APRI-12 program and the Radiation Safety Authority (SSM).

The successful candidates will: (1) perform experimental and analytical studies on melt-structure interactions crucial for ex-vessel corium risk analysis in light water reactors, and (2) develop and validate models for simulations of natural circulation in advanced water and lead-cooled nuclear reactors. The U.S. NRC simulation codes, such as TRACE for thermal-hydraulics and severe accidents, will be utilized in the natural circulation project.

Supervision

Professor Weimin Ma and Professor Sevostian Bechta are proposed to supervise the doctoral students. Final decisions will be made upon admission.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to study in a dynamic and international research environment, collaborating with industries and top universities worldwide.
• A workplace with numerous employee benefits and a monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral Student Salary Agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution committed to working conditions, gender equality, diversity, and a supportive study environment.
• The chance to live and work in Stockholm, close to nature and water.
• Assistance with relocating and settling in Sweden and at KTH.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with one of the following:

• A second-cycle degree (e.g., a master's degree), or
• Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country

The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied mathematics and be eligible to use U.S. NRC codes.

Additionally, there is a mandatory requirement for English proficiency equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

To succeed as a doctoral student at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persevering. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed on their ability to:

• Independently pursue their work
• Collaborate with others
• Maintain a professional approach
• Analyze and work with complex issues

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills after meeting the qualification requirements.

Target Degree: Doctoral Degree

Information Regarding Admission and Employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total employment length may not exceed the duration of full-time doctoral education in four years. An employed doctoral student may, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, such as training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year and may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. For studies leading to a licentiate degree, the total employment period may not exceed the duration of full-time doctoral education for two years.

Union Representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

Doctoral Section (Students’ Union at KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information for the doctoral section.

How to Apply

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete according to the instructions in the advertisement. Applications must be received by the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). Applications must include:

• CV with relevant professional experience and knowledge
• Application letter (maximum 2 pages) describing why you want to pursue research studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies, and certificates of fulfilled language requirements. Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other Information

KTH strives towards gender equality, diversity, and equal conditions as a matter of quality and values.

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

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), candidates may need to undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

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.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key center of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution, home to students, researchers, and faculty from around the world. Our research and education cover a wide area, including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history, and philosophy. Read more here.

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Contact:

1. Professor Weimin Ma, weimin@kth.se
2. Professor Mattias Blennow, Program Director, emb@kth.se
3. Professor Pär Olsson, Head of Department, polsson@kth.se

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