
LULEÅ TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET · Luleå
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, interna...
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.
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
Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, the public sector and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of just over SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students. The Division of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology invites motivated candidates interested in conducting research in Engineering Materials, with a focus on the design and development of advanced sorbent materials for environmental and gas-cleaning applications. The research subject "Engineering Materials" has ongoing research programs span broad research areas in metallic and ceramic materials (high-temperature intermetallic, space materials, high-strength steels, porous ceramic materials, and materials intended for energy recovery). The division is part of the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics. The department has several other research topics with activities that border on material technology, such as materials mechanics and machine elements. In the undergraduate program, the main two programs focusing on the international profile of the Division of Materials Science are important for the department, namely the EEIGM master's engineering program and the AMASE master's program. Within these educations, many students perform project work and degree projects in projects related to our research. The research subject of Engineering Materials consists of seven senior researchers, two technicians, and eleven doctoral students. SUBJECT DESCRIPTION Engineering materials includes the field of material composition, structure, properties and production of materials – mainly metallic and ceramic – as well as application aspects. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The PhD student will focus on the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of advanced sorbent materials for selective NOx and SOx capture under humid industrial conditions. Based on computational design results provided by project partners, the student will develop functionalized activated carbons, ion-exchanged zeolites, and MOF-based hybrid composites with improved adsorption selectivity, moisture stability, and low-temperature regeneration capability. The work will include investigation of adsorption mechanisms, binding thermodynamics, NO and NO2 discrimination, and the effects of SO2 cross-interference using advanced characterization and adsorption testing techniques. The research will also address sorbent durability under realistic gas mixtures containing impurities, while optimizing material formulations for additive manufacturing compatibility and pilot-scale implementation. The project is approved for funding in EIC Pathfinder challenges from waste to value creation. DUTIES Working as a researcher involves defining your daily tasks and how they will be carried out. You will act and train as a project manager, combined with your development. Involvement with other projects and teaching will occur up to 20 percent of your time. QUALIFICATIONS Appropriate background for the position is a Master of Science degree in materials science, chemistry or chemical engineering, good knowledge, experience, on sorption and catalysts and their characterization. The candidate must be good at written and oral English. Experience in processing science, porous materials, and synthetic chemistry is advantageous. INFORMATION Employment as a doctoral student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties can add up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment is Luleå at the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics, Division for Materials Science. For further information please contact: Professor Farid Akhtar, +46 920-49 1793 mailto:farid.akhtar@ltu.se Professor Alberto Vomiero, +46 920-49 3139 mailto:alberto.vomiero@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 Luleå University of Technology works actively with gender equality and diversity, contributing to a creative study and work environment. The university's values are based on respect, openness, cooperation, trust and responsibility. 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 9, 2026 Reference number: 3877-2026
Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, the public sector and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of just over SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students. The Division of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology invites highly motivated candidates interested in conducting research in Engineering Materials, with a focus on the design and structuring of advanced sorbent materials for environmental and gas-cleaning applications. The research subject "Engineering Materials" has ongoing research programs span broad research areas in metallic and ceramic materials (high-temperature intermetallic, space materials, high-strength steels, porous ceramic materials, and materials intended for energy recovery). The division is part of the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics. The department has several other research topics with activities that border on material technology, such as materials mechanics and machine elements. In the undergraduate program, the main two programs focusing on the international profile of the Division of Materials Science are important for the department, namely the EEIGM master's engineering program and the AMASE master's program. Within these educations, many students perform project work and degree projects in projects related to our research. The research subject of Engineering Materials consists of five senior researchers, two technicians, and nine doctoral students. SUBJECT DESCRIPTION Engineering materials includes the composition, structure, properties and production of materials, mainly metallic and ceramic materials, as well as aspects of their use. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The PhD student will focus on the development of structured sorbent systems and additive manufacturing approaches for industrial NOx and SOx capture applications. The work will include formulation of printable sorbent inks and pastes with controlled rheological properties, integration of functional nanoparticles for induction-assisted regeneration, and fabrication of structured adsorbent geometries using advanced manufacturing techniques. The student will investigate how structural design, porosity, and mass-transfer properties influence adsorption performance, pressure drop, thermal management, and cyclic stability under humid process conditions. The project will further involve scale-up, process integration, and evaluation of structured sorbents in pilot-scale systems relevant to acid-plant and greenhouse CHP gas streams. The project is approved for funding in EIC Pathfinder challenges from waste to value creation. TASKS Working as a researcher involves defining your daily tasks and how they will be carried out. You will act and train as a project manager, combined with your development. Involvement with other projects and teaching will occur up to 20 percent of your time. QUALIFICATIONS Appropriate background for the position is a Master of Science degree in materials science, chemistry or chemical engineering, good knowledge, experience, on sorption and catalysts and their characterization and shaping of sorbents and catalysts. The candidate must be good at written and oral English. Experience in processing science, porous materials, and synthetic chemistry is advantageous. INFORMATION Employment as a doctoral student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties can add up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment is Luleå at the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics, Division for Materials Science. For further information please contact: Professor Farid Akhtar, +46 920-49 1793 mailto:farid.akhtar@ltu.se Professor Alberto Vomiero, +46 920-49 3139 mailto:alberto.vomiero@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 Luleå University of Technology works actively with gender equality and diversity, contributing to a creative study and work environment. The university's values are based on respect, openness, cooperation, trust and responsibility. 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. Application deadline: August 9, 2026 Reference number: 3887-2026
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 research subject of Building materials (https://www.ltu.se/en/research/research-subjects/building-materials?l=en) consists of 15 persons, including four professors and two postdocs. The subject focuses on the development of sustainable materials and production technologies for the construction industry, as well as on ice and arctic conditions-related research and education. Subject description Building Materials includes sustainable building materials and their application technologies, recycling and reuse, and applied building physics, especially focusing on the Arctic conditions. Project description The production of Portland cement still cannot be qualified as an environmentally friendly process due to high CO2 emissions from burning fuels, calcination of limestone, and the negative effects of mining operations. Several solutions are being implemented worldwide, but none have provided an efficient solution. This project aims to study the possibility of substituting the high-temperature clinkering process with a cold synthesis based on mechanochemistry. Duties As a PhD student, you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. The tasks will include laboratory tests, analysis of data, and modeling. Qualifications To be eligible, you must have a master’s degree in materials science or chemistry. You should have basic knowledge of building materials, and you should be fluent in English. The following working/research experience will be of advantage: molecular dynamics modelling (with e.g., LAMMPS open-source software), Thermodynamic modelling, XRD with Rietveld analysis, SEM, TG, DSC, micro-CT, Particle size analysis, calorimetry, and AFM. For further information about a specific subject see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd?l=en Further 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: January 1, 2027 For further information about the position, please contact Professor Andrzej Cwirzen, (+46) 920-49 3387, andrzej.cwirzen@ltu.se Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 ) 920-49 2037, diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721, 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. Recruitment communication and possible interviews may be held in English. Closing date for applications: August 15, 2026 Reference number: 3267-2026