Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Elements and Tribology

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. 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 an annual turnover of over 2.3 billion SEK. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.

The research at the Department of Machine Elements primarily focuses on tribology and its applications. The research group is highly international and consists of more than 40 researchers and PhD students, making it one of the leading tribology research groups in Europe. The research is both fundamental and applied in nature and is often conducted in close collaboration with Swedish and international industry.

We are currently seeking a postdoctoral researcher to help us further develop research in the field of machine elements.

Subject Description

Machine elements encompass the analysis and optimization of machine components and component systems based on performance, lifespan, energy efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact. Special emphasis is placed on issues within the field of tribology.

Project Description

You will work on research in tribology and surface properties of fossil-free steels in production processes and their performance in applications that include harsh environments such as hydrogen. The research aims to develop knowledge about the connection between chemical composition, material properties, and friction and wear for fossil-free steels.

Responsibilities

The main research will involve tribological evaluation of steels with different alloy compositions and in degrading environments such as hydrogen, as well as analysis of microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear mechanisms. The work is primarily experimental, requiring good practical skills and detailed knowledge of tribology, tribological testing, surface analysis, and material characterization.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment, a PhD or an equivalent foreign degree in mechanical engineering or materials science is required. It is advantageous if your degree was obtained no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. If there are special reasons, candidates who obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered, for example, due to various types of statutory leave.

The research is mainly experimental in nature, and you must have excellent practical skills and knowledge in tribology, tribological testing, and analysis. You should have good oral and written communication skills and be fluent in Swedish and English. Experience with tribological testing in extreme environments such as hydrogen and surface analysis techniques with applications in tribology is an advantage. In the evaluation of candidates, particular emphasis will be placed on the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the project
• The quality of previous research results
• Personal skills relevant to research

Information

This position is a full-time employment for two years. The workplace is in Luleå. Planned start date is in spring 2026.

For further information, please contact Professor Jens Hardell at 0920-49 1774, [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, CV/resume, and copies of verified degree certificates and thesis. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: 2026-03-24
Reference number: 2200-2026