Karlstad University invites applications for a doctoral studentship in materials engineering, hosted by the Department of Engineering and Physics in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The university, located in scenic Värmland, Sweden, is known for its commitment to sustainable development, gender equality, diversity, and a democratic approach. The department offers a friendly, international atmosphere and engages with industrial partners to ensure research relevance and impact.

The research project focuses on enhancing the damping of lightweight and critical components by optimising their geometry, utilising metallic materials with high internal damping, and incorporating powder-filled cavities. The project involves developing novel optimisation strategies and applying them to both small-scale models and industrial-scale applications. As a doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to manufacture metallic components using laser powder bed fusion technology, conduct mechanical testing, fabricate prototypes, and estimate component fatigue life using specialised equipment. You will contribute to both modelling and development of design optimisation methods, as well as experimental validation of optimised designs.

The doctoral programme comprises 240 credits for a Degree of Doctor and 120 credits for a Degree of Licentiate. The position is a paid, full-time appointment for four years, with possible extension up to five years if teaching or departmental duties are included. Doctoral students are expected to work independently, contribute to the department’s activities, and be active members of the workplace community. Teaching and administrative duties may be included, but will not exceed 20% of full-time.

Entry requirements include a second-cycle qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent), with at least 60 credits awarded in the second-cycle, or substantially equivalent knowledge. Specific requirements are a Degree of Master of Science Engineering with a major in Mechanical Engineering or a Degree of Master in Mechanical Engineering or adjacent fields such as Materials Engineering/Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry. Equivalent knowledge may be considered. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, documented skills in computational mechanics, optimisation, implementation of numerical algorithms in structural mechanics or physics, mechanical testing, academic writing, and research planning. Personal qualities such as independence, communication, teamwork, and knowledge in Swedish are valued. Admission is based on individual assessment.

The salary for the doctoral studentship corresponds to the standard level for doctoral students and progresses in accordance with a local collective agreement. The university received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award, reflecting its commitment to fair and transparent recruitment and favorable professional development for researchers.

Applications must be submitted via the university’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi, by the deadline of 7 April 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, Master’s thesis, publications, account of language skills, letters of recommendation, and two references. Name each uploaded document clearly. If documents cannot be submitted electronically, send them to the HR department at Karlstad University. State the reference number REK 2025/245 in your application. Applicants with qualifications from abroad should provide degree certificates and official transcripts, and a contact for the degree-awarding institution.

For further information, visit the university’s website or contact the department. The university firmly declines contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.