PhD Position in Engineering Materials

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person. The Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics carries out research in areas such as wood, composites, metals, mechanics, and energy. Our engineering programs include Sustainable Energy Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. We have an international program in Materials Engineering, and among our newer programs is the Bachelor of Science in Power Engineering. The strong cooperation with industry provides students with an opportunity to work on real project tasks in their education. We are currently seeking a PhD-student that can help us to further develop research within the field of Machine Elements. The main aim of this PhD student position is to strengthen the newly started research on Triboelectrictive nanogenerator (TENG)-based smart lubrication in Machine Elements. Besides courses, the student will mainly carry out experimental work. The department has about 300 employees and conducts research in 17 research subjects and seven centers of excellence. You can find us at campus in Luleå, Skellefteå and we are also responsible for the research at Green Fuels in Piteå. Subject description Machine Elements comprises the analysis and optimisation of machine components and component systems in order to enhance performance, longevity, energy-efficiency, reliability and sustainability. Particular emphasis is placed on issues in the field of tribology. Project description The project is about developing and applying TENG-based self-powered sensors or TENG-based energy harvesting methods for tribological applications. A sensor that produces its own power has a large role to play in the advancement of wearables, the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, etc. The focus of this project is to apply this technology to machine components to give information about the operation. This could be general machine health as well as specific fault and failure signals. The aim of the project is to develop knowledge and understanding of the relationship between tribological signals (especially lubrication signals) and the working status. Duties The PhD student is expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within research studies as well as communicate the results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of the PhD student's working time will be devoted to its own research studies. In addition, the PhD student can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, the PhD student works as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects. Qualifications Applicants must have a master's degree in science or engineering (Materials science, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical engineering, etc.), or equivalent. Good skills in oral and written communication in English are also a requirement. The following selection criteria apply: Background relevant to the project, The quality of the applicant's master's thesis, Personal qualities relevant to research education. Information Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting date upon agreement. For further information, you are welcome to contact: Professor Yijun Shi, (+46) 920-492064, mailto:yijun.shi@ltu.se https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/applying-for-a-job#h-Tradeunioncontacts In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence. Application We prefer that you apply for this scholarship by using the Apply button below. The application should include a CV, a personal letter, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below. Last day of application: 10 August 2026 Reference number: 3871-2026

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a natural part of the work? With us, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy strong opportunities to attract external funding. You will have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.   The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (CENE) offers unique, collective research expertise in civil and structural engineering. The research subject Structural Engineering (https://www.ltu.se/en/research/research-subjects/structural-engineering) is now seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher contributing towards science and technology in condition assessment. In our department we strive for everyone to develop in the subject and as a person.   Subject description   Structural Engineering includes loads, design, sustainability, load carrying capacity, repair and strengthening, of buildings and civil engineering structures made of concrete, steel, wood and other materials, separately or in combination, at normal conditions, in cold climate and in fire.   Project description   The project, Semi-Probabilistic Assessment of Infrastructure under Climate Impacts, develops and applies semi-probabilistic and probabilistic methods to assess the current and future load-bearing capacity of existing infrastructure, taking into account climate change and non-stationary environmental conditions. The objective is to link reliability-based research to practically applicable decision-support tools for infrastructure managers and public authorities.   The work is closely linked to research in bridge monitoring, condition assessment, and data-driven infrastructure management. Data from case studies (inspections, monitoring, and experimental tests) are used for model updating, calibration of safety formats, and prediction of future performance and remaining service life.   Duties   You will conduct research with strong methodological and applied components, leading to publications in peer-reviewed international journals and presentations at major conferences.   Your work will include: Develop semi-probabilistic and probabilistic frameworks for the assessment of existing infrastructure under climate impact Integrate time-dependent deterioration models with climate projections Update models using monitoring and inspection data Calibrate and compare safety formats Translate analytical results into decision-support tools Contribute to supervision, teaching, and research proposals   Qualifications   To be eligible for this postdoctoral position, you must hold a PhD in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field, with specialization in structural reliability, probabilistic methods, infrastructure assessment, or durability. The doctoral degree must be completed at the time of appointment.   The following qualifications and experience are required: Strong research background in structural reliability and probabilistic/semi-probabilistic analysis, as well as safety formats for structural design and assessment Documented experience with time-variant models for structural load-bearing capacity, deterioration processes, or life-cycle-based analysis of structures Experience with Monte Carlo simulation, FORM/SORM, or similar methods Ability to work with experimental, monitoring, or inspection data for model updating and uncertainty quantification Good knowledge of existing structures, particularly concrete structures and bridges Strong publication record Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English, and the ability to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary collaborations   The following qualifications will be considered meritorious: Experience with climate change scenarios and their application in structural or infrastructure assessment Knowledge of code calibration, partial safety factors, or assessment standards for existing structures Experience translating technical results into decision-support tools or guidelines for infrastructure owners or public authorities   Further information   Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting: As soon as possible.   For further information about the position, please contact Jaime Gonzalez, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920-49 2970, mailto:jaime.gonzalez@ltu.se or Chao Wang, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920-49 2944, mailto:chao.wang@ltu.se   Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46) 920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se   In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.   Application   We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.   Closing date for applications: August 3, 2026 Reference number: 3824-2026