PhD Candidate in Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) Sensors for Composite Materials
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Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0About the position
We have a new vacancy for a 3-year PhD position at ASEMlab, NTNU Gjøvik, funded by Horizon Europe projects. The PhD candidate will work with NTNU's laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensing line developing a LIG sensor system for in-situ process monitoring of fibre reinforced composite systems, and maturing it from lab-scale prototypes to integration in demonstrators. The LIG system will be developed and benchmarked alongside complementary sensing technologies. This is a doctorate at the intersection of functional 2D materials, printed electronics, industrial composites manufacturing and structural health monitoring.
The position is hosted by ASEMlab – the Laboratory of Advanced and Sustainable Engineering Materials (www.asemlab.no) at the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik campus. ASEMlab performs research on polymers and composite materials across their full life cycle: advanced manufacturing, structural health monitoring and sensing, non-destructive evaluation, durability and ageing, recycling and circularity, and sustainability assessment. The laboratory operates extensive infrastructure including manufacturing, sensor development, laser systems, thermal and physico-chemical analysis (DMA, TGA, FTIR, dielectric spectroscopy), mechanical and thermomechanical fatigue testing, accelerated ageing facilities, micro-CT, CMM, ultrasound imaging, etc.
Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.
Duties of the position
- design and fabricate laser-induced graphene sensors and sensor arrays (temperature, strain, pressure) using ASEMlab's laser-processing infrastructure
characterise and calibrate the sensors electromechanically, structurally, thermally, morphologically, etc., using advanced analytical techniques, and benchmark them against complementary sensing technologies (e.g. fibre optics)
develop the LIG sensor system for process monitoring and structural health monitoring
implement the data-acquisition chain and data-import protocols as well as analyze sensor data for different needs
Work closely with interdisciplinary teams of internal and external researchers specializing in sensor technologies, materials science, data analytics, etc.
analyze data and publish results in leading international journals and present at conferences, contribute to project deliverables, training workshops and dissemination activities
Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.
Required selection criteria
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme (link), see Section 6-1 of the PhD regulations for more information.
You must have a relevant Master's degree in materials science/engineering, electronics/mechatronics, applied physics, nanotechnology, mechanical/manufacturing engineering or equivalent. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis
You must have a strong and relevant academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker academic background, you may be considered if you can document that you are exceptionally suited for a PhD education, for example through relevant work experience and/or peer-reviewed academic works.
demonstrated hands-on experience working in a research laboratory environment, including the safe handling of chemicals and operation of scientific instrumentation
strong foundational understanding of solid-state physics/chemistry and materials characterization techniques (such as Raman spectroscopy, SEM, or XRD)
hands-on experimental skills within sensors or functional/printed materials
very good written and oral English skills (documented per NTNU requirements for non-native speakers)
proven ability to work independently, manage a research project timeline, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Good oral and written presentation skills in English
The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position.
Preferred selection criteria
- experience in the design, fabrication, or characterization of electromechanical sensors, printed/flexible sensors, or graphene/2D and carbon-based functional materials
hands-on experience with laser synthesis, laser micromachining, or optical systems, including CO₂ or UV laser platforms commonly used for LIG fabrication
experience with electronics prototyping, instrumentation and data acquisition tools (Python, LabVIEW), electrical characterization hardware (e.g., source meters, potentiostats, impedance analyzers) and basic signal processing, while interest in machine-learning-based process control is a plus
knowledge of fibre-reinforced polymer composites and their manufacturing processes
experience with electrical/electromechanical characterisation techniques (e.g. impedance spectroscopy, DIC-coupled strain sensing)
willingness to travel for test and demonstration campaigns for project needs in Europe
Personal characteristics
To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:
Work independently
Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
Present and discuss your research with other professionals
Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
Work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity
Show curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject
Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions
Be flexible and open to adjusting the plan for the project as needed
proactive, self-driven, structured and rigorous in experimental work
collaborative and team-oriented mindset suited to a university lab and a large industrial consortium with firm deadlines
strong analytical and problem-solving skills
curiosity and ambition to publish at a high international level
Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.
We offer
Evaluate and remove/add what is relevant for the position.
An exciting job with an important mission in an international, EU-funded project consortium
Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)
As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.
Diversity
Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.
We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.
If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.
At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.
Salary and conditions
In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.
The employment period is 3 years for the doctoral work.
For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering Science Doctoral Programme - PhD - Faculty of Engineering Science - NTNU within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme through out the period of employment.
The position is conditional on external funding.
As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.
For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who, by assessment of the application and attachments, are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.
Please note that the candidate holding the announced position is expected to work with critical infrastructure and areas subject to controls on the export of strategic goods, services and technology. Candidates with the potential of not fulfilling the requirements for security clearance, access clearance and authorization as described in the Act Relating to National Security, the Export Control Act and the Act on the Implementation of International Sanctions (Sanctions Act) cannot be considered for the position.
About the application
The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in English.
Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.
The application must include:
CV and certificates/diplomas (BSc and MSc) with grade transcripts; diplomas in other languages must be accompanied by certified English translations
a motivation letter (max 2 pages) describing your suitability for and interest in the position
MSc thesis (or a draft if not yet completed) and any publications or other relevant research output
documentation of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) where applicable
names and contact details of at least two referees
If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.
Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.
NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).
General information
A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.
If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Sotirios Grammatikos, Director of ASEMlab, Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, NTNU Gjøvik. E-mail: sotirios.grammatikos@ntnu.no
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor Kristine Rognlid Hagaseth kristine.r.hagaseth@ntnu.no
Application deadline: 11.09.2026
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For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage.
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