Vacant job

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 from 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 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 programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (SBN) offers a unique and comprehensive research competence in the field of construction and structural engineering. The subject of structural engineering is now seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who wants to contribute to science and technology in the field of condition assessment. Within our department, we strive for everyone to develop and grow as individuals.

Subject Description

Structural engineering encompasses loads, design, dimensioning, sustainability, load-bearing capacity, repair, and strengthening of buildings and structures made of concrete, steel, wood, and other materials, either individually or in combination, under normal conditions, in cold climates, and in the event of fire.

Project Description

The project Semi-Probabilistic Assessment of Infrastructure under Climate Impact develops and applies semi-probabilistic and probabilistic methods to assess the current and future load-bearing capacity of existing infrastructure, considering climate change and non-stationary environmental conditions. The goal is to link reliability-based research to practically useful decision support for infrastructure managers and public authorities.

The work relates to research in bridge monitoring, condition assessment, and data-driven infrastructure management. Data from case studies (inspections, monitoring, and testing) are used for model updating, calibration of safety formats, and predictions of future performance and remaining lifespan.

Job Responsibilities

You will conduct research with strong methodological and applied elements, aiming to publish the results in international, peer-reviewed journals and present them at leading scientific conferences.

The job responsibilities include:

• Developing semi-probabilistic and probabilistic frameworks for assessing existing infrastructure under climate impact
• Integrating time-dependent degradation models with climate projections
• Updating models with data from monitoring and inspection
• Calibrating and comparing safety formats
• Translating analysis results into decision support
• Participating in supervision, teaching, and research applications

Qualifications

To be eligible for this postdoctoral position, you must have a PhD in civil engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, or another related field, with a specialization in, for example, structural reliability, probabilistic methods, infrastructure assessment, or durability. The PhD must be completed by the time of appointment.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Strong research background in structural reliability and probabilistic/semi-probabilistic analysis as well as safety formats for dimensioning and assessment of structures
• Documented experience with time-variant models for structural load-bearing capacity, degradation processes, or life-cycle-based analysis of structures
• Experience with Monte Carlo, FORM/SORM, or similar
• Ability to work with experimental data, monitoring data, or inspection data for model updates and uncertainties
• Good knowledge of existing structures, particularly concrete and bridges
• Good publication record
• Very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, as well as the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary collaborations

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with climate change scenarios and their application in structural or infrastructural assessment
• Knowledge of code calibration, partial coefficients, or assessment standards for existing structures
• Experience in translating technical analysis results into decision support or guidelines for infrastructure owners and public authorities

Information

This position is a full-time appointment for two years. The workplace is Luleå. Expected start date: June 1, 2026.

For further information, please contact Jaime Gonzalez, Associate Professor, 0920-49 2970, [email protected] or Chao Wang, Associate Professor, 0920-49 2944, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume along with copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: March 17, 2026
Reference number: 1786-2026