Assistant Professor in Process Physics

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and with a focus on the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational offerings to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Luleå University of Technology is, as one of five Swedish universities, part of the Swedish national battery initiative COMPEL. One of Luleå University of Technology's specializations is process physics with a particular focus on operation and production, an area where we currently have an open position for an assistant professor. The position is fully funded for the first three years. Since this is a critical recruitment, we are broadly seeking good candidates who are at the right stage in their careers and aiming for an academic career in research. The core of the experimental research extensively uses X-ray techniques, primarily tomography, but diffraction and spectral techniques are also relevant. At Luleå University of Technology, we have access to good experimental research infrastructure and strong connections with MAX IV, the Swedish synchrotron facility, infrastructure that will be made available to the candidate. This position may be classified in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585).

Subject Description

Experimental mechanics involves the development of experimental methods to study phenomena within mechanics.

Job Responsibilities

We are looking for an early-career researcher with the ambition and ability to build a group at Luleå University of Technology focusing on process physics relevant to battery production. You will be part of a battery landscape that includes many academic and industrial partners, making it important for you to find your unique position and collaborate within this landscape. The position may also involve up to 25% teaching or other institutional activities.

The position is located in the Department of Fluid Mechanics and Experimental Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology and is intended to complement and strengthen the existing research in the department. Within the department, we have a long history of research in energy production, material mechanics, porous flow, optical and coherent imaging science, X-ray tomography, production metrology, and applications of absorption and vibration spectroscopy in biomedicine and environmental studies. Therefore, you will be in a scientific environment with many complementary competencies. Currently, 45 researchers are active in the department.

Qualifications

To meet the requirements for employment as an assistant professor, the applicant must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. In the first instance, the applicant who has obtained their doctoral degree no more than five years before the application deadline should be considered for employment. However, those who have obtained their doctoral degree or have achieved equivalent competence earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, or other similar circumstances.

Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria apply to the position:

• scientific competence
• other assessment criteria

Other assessment criteria in descending order of priority:

• documented knowledge in process physics relevant to battery production
• experience with X-ray microtomography and/or related synchrotron techniques
• ability to collaborate with the surrounding community
• ability to communicate research and development work
• ability to teach in Swedish and/or English

Employment Period

The employment period for this position is four years.

Promotion to University Lecturer

The purpose of the employment is to give the teacher the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and to qualify both scientifically and pedagogically to meet the requirements for eligibility for a position as a university lecturer.

An assistant professor shall, after application, be promoted to university lecturer and a permanent position if he/she is qualified for a position as a lecturer, and in an assessment is deemed suitable for such a position according to the assessment criteria specified below.

In the assessment, it is required that the assistant lecturer has undergone higher education pedagogical training corresponding to 7.5 credits or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge.

During the employment period, the assistant lecturer must also independently, to a significant extent and with high quality, contribute to the university's research and demonstrate good pedagogical skills.

Information

For further information, please contact Professor Mikael Sjödahl, +46 920-491220, [email protected]

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46)920-49 2037 [email protected]

OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected]

Further information about research activities in the department can be found at the following links: Experimental Mechanics (https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/Experimentell-mekanik) and Fluid Mechanics (https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/Stromningslara)

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach the requested application documents, including degree certificates (certified and translated into Swedish or English), pedagogical self-reflection, and publications, etc. Follow the link Instructions for Applicants (https://www.ltu.se/ansokan) for complete instructions. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: December 31, 2025

Reference number: 4695-2025