Master Thesis: Hydrogen trapping and redistribution in martensitic high-str

We are looking for a motivated Master’s student to join the AITHOS project, AI-based Trapping characterisation & Hydrogen Odelling in Steels.

Hydrogen embrittlement is a major challenge for high-strength steels. One strategy to improve hydrogen resistance is to engineer carbide precipitates that trap hydrogen and reduce its mobility. The AITHOS project combines experiments, modelling and data-driven methods to understand this behaviour and support future development of hydrogen-tolerant steels.

The Master’s thesis will be carried out primarily at Swerim and will contribute mainly to the experimental work in WP1 and WP2. Possible activities include:

• microstructural characterisation;
• hydrogen charging of steel specimens under controlled conditions;
• measurement and analysis of hydrogen trapping and release, including TDMS;
• mechanical testing of hydrogen-charged specimens;

You will work at Swerim and collaborate closely with researchers from Uppsala University, SSAB and Ovako. The project therefore offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in hydrogen-materials research while developing a professional network spanning both academia and the Swedish steel industry.

The project is suitable for a student who would like to develop expertise at the interface between advanced steel development, hydrogen embrittlement and experimental materials science.

Your profile We are particularly interested in students with a background in:

• Materials Science and Engineering;
• Applied Physics or Engineering Physics;
• Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.

Additional Information The project is planned to be carried out during the spring semester of 2027 at Swerim in Stockholm. Upon successful completion of the Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits), Swerim will provide a compensation of SEK 50,000.

Contact For further information about the project, please contact: Dr. Birhan Sefer, birhan.sefer@swerim.se

Application  Please apply using the application link below no later than 30 November 2026. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the thesis position may be filled before the application deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.