Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology

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. 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 offer a wide range of educational programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Experimental Mechanics group at the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics at Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to further strengthen the research team related to cold climate, winter road maintenance, digitalization, and connected vehicles.

The research team works closely with industry and authorities, where research results can be quickly implemented and provide concrete societal benefits. The team is multidisciplinary and strives to be a hub between research and the implementation of new technology, aiming to contribute to digitalization and improved accessibility within the transport sector, with a particular focus on winter road maintenance. The team operates in an international research environment and works towards a common effort for safer roads and increased accessibility.

Subject Description

Experimental mechanics involves the development of experimental methods for studying phenomena within technical mechanics.

Project Description

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work in the field of experimental mechanics in a team focused on multidisciplinary research, where experimental work is combined with data analysis and digitalization. The position involves research activities consisting of field tests in cold climates and analysis of large data sets. The role requires you to combine practical experimental work with advanced data analysis and serve as a bridge between reality and theory.

Previous experience in the following areas is highly meritorious:

• Friction measurement related to winter road maintenance (e.g., use of friction trailers and optical road condition sensors)
• Processing and validation of friction data from connected vehicles
• Fieldwork, including planning and conducting tests in cold climates

You will work on several projects, including WiReTEN-c.

Job Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, the majority of your work will consist of research. You will focus on experimental work and analysis of data from connected vehicles, with an emphasis on winter road maintenance and accessibility, where monitoring of slipperiness, snow plowing, and visibility (snow smoke) are central components. Research results are expected to be published in high-quality scientific journals. The position also includes supervision of PhD and master's students, teaching, and support in applications for funding for future research projects.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment, a PhD or equivalent foreign degree in experimental mechanics is required. It is meritorious if your degree was obtained no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. If there are special reasons, it may be considered for those who obtained their PhD earlier, for example, due to various types of statutory leave.

The research tasks require a strong mathematical background, documented advanced experimental skills, and good competence in processing large data sets (e.g., Matlab). Since field tests are conducted continuously, a B driver's license is required. You will represent the research group in international contexts such as workshops and conferences, which requires very good knowledge of English. Good knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written, is highly meritorious as the position involves close collaboration with road maintenance contractors and project managers in road maintenance.

Information

This position is a full-time employment for three years. The place of work is Luleå, Norrbotten. The start date is to be agreed upon.

For further information, please contact Professor Johan Casselgren, 0920-49 1409, [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 and copies of verified degree certificates. Please label 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: 2209-2026