Overview

Research topic description: Low-carbon structural steels are widely used in lightweight welded and thin-sheet components, but their stiffness and surface durability are often limited. This project investigates how local laser treatment (surface melting/transformational hardening and laser-formed stiffening ribs) can increase surface hardness and flexural stiffness without adding mass or changing part geometry. The PhD candidate will (i) select representative low-carbon grades and define laser-processing parameter windows; (ii) characterise microstructure, phases and residual stresses and map hardness; (iii) perform mechanical tests on treated and reference specimens; and (iv) develop and validate FEM models for stress-strain response under short-term loading. The outcome will be design and processing guidelines linking laser parameters to microstructure and mechanical performance.

The selected candidate will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Dr Oleksandr Kapustynskyi. The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships at the other universities.

Requirements:

• Required background: MSc in Materials Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering or a related field (metallurgy, physics).

• Expected skills and knowledge: fundamentals of steel metallurgy and heat treatment; interest/experience in laser processing or surface engineering; mechanical testing; basic data analysis; FEM/CAE (e.g., Abaqus/Ansys/COMSOL) is an advantage; good academic English and motivation for research.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The position may not be opened if no qualified candidate is found. Additional information regarding the position may be obtained from Dr Oleksandr Kapustynskyi, e-mail: o.kapustynskyi@vilniustech.lt

Programme Structure

Independent research under supervision;
Courses for PhD students (approximately 30 ECTS credits);
Participation in research networks, including placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions;
Teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination, which is related to the PhD topic when possible;
The completion of a PhD thesis.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-22 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

70

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IELTS

6

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Credits

30 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vilnius, Lithuania

Disciplines

Materials Science View 5 other PhDs in Materials Science in Lithuania

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

70

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Postgraduate diploma (or higher)
The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English.
You must take verified copies of the entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.
At least 2 reference(s) must be provided.
Certified copies of the Master’s degree diploma and its supplement with grades or higher education equivalent to it;
Curriculum Vitae (CV);
List of scientific publications and their copies or research proposal (if scientific publications are not included);
Copy of a personal data page of a passport or a copy of a personal ID;
Other documents that an applicant wants to submit.
FCE (First Certificate in English): A
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): C
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C
B2 Certificate in English

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

12449 EUR / year

≈ 12449 EUR / year

Additional Details

part-time studies - 8,453 EUR per year

Living costs

Vilnius

Lithuania

490 - 856 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

The PhD studies can be financed by the companies or enterprises financial resources or a PhD student‘s personal finances.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Laser Treatment Strategies for Enhancing Strength and Fatigue Resistance of Thin-Sheet Low-Carbon Steels (Materials Engineering).