Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Engineering with a Focus on Condition Assessment

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, billions will be invested 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 programs to match the skills in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and communities 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 engineering. The subject of structural engineering is now seeking a 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 reinforcement of buildings and structures made of concrete, steel, wood, and other materials, either individually or in combination, under normal conditions, in cold climates, and during fires.

Project Description

The project, Drive-by monitoring, develops, validates, and demonstrates a vehicle-based monitoring system for continuous condition assessment of bridges, where vibration data is collected via trains, buses, and service vehicles. The goal is to take the method from research concept to large-scale application in urban environments as support for proactive and data-driven bridge management.

The work includes system development and data analysis (sensor integration, data collection, signal processing, and indicators based on vehicle-bridge interaction) as well as structural validation in real environments through comparisons with reference sensors and analysis of operational and environmental impacts.

The project is conducted in collaboration with municipalities and industry and includes the development of decision support for planning and prioritizing maintenance.

Job Responsibilities

You will conduct research with clear experimental and data-driven elements, with the expectation of scientific publications in international, peer-reviewed journals and presentations at leading conferences.

The job responsibilities include:

• Planning and conducting experiments and field trials within drive-by monitoring
• Analyzing vibration data from vehicle and bridge sensors
• Developing and validating condition indicators and decision support
• Collaboration with external partners in planning, implementation, and evaluation of field installations
• Contributing to supervision, teaching, and research applications

Qualifications

To be eligible for this postdoctoral position, you must have a PhD in civil engineering, road and water construction, structural engineering, or another related field, with relevant specialization in areas such as structural health monitoring, bridge engineering, structural dynamics, and/or condition assessment. The PhD must be completed by the time of employment.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Documented research in structural health monitoring or condition assessment of bridges, preferably focusing on vibration-based or indirect monitoring methods
• Good publication record
• Experience in experimental/field-based research and sensor-based measurements
• Experience in instrumentation and analysis of dynamic responses
• Good understanding of vehicle-bridge interaction and structural dynamics
• Very good English skills in both spoken and written form, as well as the ability to work both independently and in interdisciplinary collaborations

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in drive-by monitoring or indirect methods
• Experience in full-scale testing and collaboration with infrastructure managers
• Experience in supervision
• Knowledge of data-driven methods, signal processing, or machine learning
• Familiarity with sustainable infrastructure management

Information

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

For further information, please contact Jaime Gonzalez, university lecturer, 0920-49 2970, [email protected] or Chao Wang, university lecturer, 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: 1785-2026