Vacant job

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 Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering conducts research and education in mining, construction, and environmental areas. The department has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and close collaboration with industry. Approximately 70% of the research is externally funded, and we have extensive international collaborations. The Division of Geotechnical Engineering conducts research and education in rock mechanics, mining engineering, and geotechnics, with a strong focus on the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of underground and open-pit facilities. The division collaborates closely with industry to handle practical engineering challenges and develop solutions for future mining and infrastructure projects.

Subject Description

Mining and rock facility engineering covers mining engineering, rock engineering, and rock mechanics, including rock mass properties, tunneling technology, design and dimensioning of mines and rock facilities, as well as planning and production processes related to both mining and infrastructure development.

Project Description

As mining at LKAB takes place at increasingly greater depths, the rock mass is subjected to increasing in-situ stresses and dynamic disturbances, which entails an increased risk of seismic events and rockbursts. There is therefore a growing need for an improved understanding of the function of rock support under both static and dynamic loading.

The project aims to develop a mechanism-based and site-adapted framework for the design of rock support, focusing on energy absorption, deformation capacity, and system behavior. The research will integrate laboratory tests, numerical modeling, and field observations from deep underground mines.

The expected results include an improved understanding of the performance of support systems, the development of evaluation methods, and optimized solutions adapted to LKAB's conditions.

Job Responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will work with both field data analysis and numerical modeling within the project. The tasks include:

• Development and application of numerical models for rock support systems (e.g., bolts, mesh, shotcrete, and interaction with the rock mass)
• Analysis and interpretation of laboratory results, including static and dynamic performance of support elements
• Participation in the design and evaluation of rock support in deep mining environments
• Collaboration with industry partners and integration of field data into the research
• Dissemination of research results through scientific publications and conferences

The majority of working time is devoted to independent doctoral studies. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Civil Engineer or Master's degree in mining engineering, rock mechanics, geotechnics, or a related field
• Knowledge in mechanics and/or numerical modeling (experience at various levels is welcome)
• Good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in English

Merits:

• Experience with numerical modeling tools (e.g., LS-DYNA, FEM, DEM)
• Knowledge of underground mining and rock support systems
• Experience with laboratory or field work

Personal qualities:

• Ability to collaborate in a research group and develop independence over time
• Analytical ability and problem-solving skills
• Motivation to contribute to research with industrial relevance and practical significance

For further information about the specific doctoral education, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd (http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd).

Information

Employment as a doctoral student is fixed-term for 4 years; teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Place of work: Luleå. Intended start: by agreement.

For further information, you are welcome to contact University Lecturer Yang Zou, 0920-49 3470, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Professor Daniel Johansson, 0920-49 2361, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Application

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

Last day for applications: May 31, 2026

Reference number: 3108-2026