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Tampere University
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Doctoral Researcher in Railway Wheel–Rail Friction Estimation and Control Tampere University in Finland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Signal Processing
Funding
Fixed-term full-time doctoral researcher employment for a maximum of three years. The typical starting salary is approximately EUR 3,000 per month under the Finnish university salary system, with increases based on experience and doctoral-study progress. Employee benefits include occupational health care, flexible work schedules, research infrastructure, teaching facilities, and a personal fund for sports and cultural activities.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Finland
University
Tampere University
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About this position
Tampere University is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher for the Machine Design group within the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering unit. The group combines machine dynamics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, structural mechanics, and control for condition monitoring and asset management of railway rolling stock and infrastructure.
The doctoral project focuses on experimental methods for onboard railway wheel–rail friction estimation and control. The researcher will develop and validate advanced sensor instrumentation, investigate operational and environmental conditions affecting reliable friction estimation, and develop wheel-slip detection methods using vehicle sensor signals and operational data.
The work also includes designing and implementing hardware-in-the-loop simulation platforms for wheel-friction control. The research draws on vehicle dynamics, friction formulation, mechatronics, signal processing, vibration analysis, system identification, sensor fusion, and experimental instrumentation, with computational algorithms tested against real-world engineering use cases.
During the PhD, the researcher can use Tampere University's full-scale wheel–rail laboratory and test technology on a real train operated in Finland. The project is part of the Research Council of Finland-funded RAILCLIMA project, with opportunities for research exchange in other EU countries. Research findings will be shared through peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events, and industry events. The role is based in an international, multidisciplinary research community and includes limited teaching duties.
Funding details
Fixed-term full-time doctoral researcher employment for a maximum of three years. The typical starting salary is approximately EUR 3,000 per month under the Finnish university salary system, with increases based on experience and doctoral-study progress. Employee benefits include occupational health care, flexible work schedules, research infrastructure, teaching facilities, and a personal fund for sports and cultural activities.
What's required
Applicants must have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on vehicle dynamics and mechatronics, or in automatic control/control engineering. Candidates must be pursuing or accepted to study toward a doctoral degree in the relevant doctoral programme. Selection considers study and research plans, previous academic success, and merits in doctoral thesis writing and/or scientific publishing. Beneficial but non-mandatory skills include MATLAB, Simulink, Python or equivalent tools; system identification, sensor fusion, signal processing, and control systems; and familiarity with vehicle dynamics, wheel–rail contact mechanics, traction control, braking systems, or related transportation applications. Applicants must provide a certificate of language proficiency.
How to apply
Submit the application through Tampere University's online recruitment system by 30 November 2026 at 23:59 EET (UTC+2). Apply in English and upload PDFs of your CV, publication list, motivation letter, and MSc/BSc certificates with transcripts and translations, plus a language-proficiency certificate; shortlisted candidates will submit a short research plan.
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