Vacant job

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student here, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

The Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics conducts research in areas such as wood, composites, metals, mechanics, and energy. Our engineering programs include sustainable energy technology and mechanical engineering. We have an international program in materials technology, and among our newer educational programs is the Higher Education Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering. The strong collaboration with industry gives students the opportunity to work on real project assignments during their studies. We are now looking for a PhD student who can help us further develop research in the subject of Machine Elements. The main purpose of the PhD position is to strengthen the recently established research area in triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based smart lubrication in Machine Elements. In addition to courses, the PhD student will primarily conduct experimental work.

The department has approximately 300 employees and conducts research in 17 research subjects and seven excellence centers. We have operations on campus in Luleå and Skellefteå, and we are also responsible for the research at Green Fuels in Piteå.

Subject Description

Machine Elements covers the analysis and optimization of machine components and component systems based on performance, lifespan, energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Special emphasis is placed on issues within the field of tribology.

Project Description

The project involves developing and applying TENG-based self-powered sensors or TENG-based energy harvesting methods in tribological applications. A sensor that generates its own energy plays an important role in the development of wearable technology, the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, and more. The focus of this project is to apply this technology to machine components to provide information about operating status. This can include both general machine health and specific signals related to faults and failures. The project's goal is to develop knowledge and understanding of the relationship between tribological signals, especially lubrication signals, and operating status.

Responsibilities

The PhD student is expected to conduct both experimental and theoretical work within the framework of research studies, as well as communicate research results at national and international conferences and through scientific publications. The majority of the PhD student's working time will be devoted to their own research work. In addition, the PhD student may have the opportunity to try out the teaching role through teaching and other pedagogical tasks. As a researcher, the PhD student acts as an independent and neutral party in many different contexts, which provides good opportunities to participate in qualified and challenging development projects.

Qualifications

You who apply for this position must have a master's degree in science or engineering, for example materials science, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, or equivalent. Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is also a requirement.

The following selection criteria apply:

• Background relevant to the project
• Quality of the applicant's master's thesis
• Personal qualities relevant to doctoral education

Information

Employment as a PhD 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 date by agreement.

For further information, you are welcome to contact: Professor Yijun Shi, 0920–492064, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

More information about application and union contacts (https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner)

Application

We encourage you to apply for this PhD position by using the application button below. The application should include a CV, a cover letter, and copies of verified degree certificates from high school and university. Your application, including degree certificates, should be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Application deadline: August 10, 2026

Reference number: 3871–2026