Doctoral Student in Timber Engineering Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded Doctoral student position in timber engineering, based in Gothenburg, Sweden. This opportunity is part of the Division of Structural Engineering within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, a multidisciplinary team tackling challenges in the built and natural environment, including resource utilization, pollution, climate change, and digitalization. The division is renowned for world-class research and education in architecture, civil engineering, and related disciplines, aiming to build a better and more sustainable world.

The research project focuses on investigating hygro-thermo-mechanical mechanisms to form wood into high-performance, thin-walled structures. The successful candidate will study how manufacturing processes and the natural properties of wood create internal stresses that impact the strength and stability of the final product. Using advanced experimental tools and computer simulations, the project aims to develop a framework for optimizing sustainable timber materials for demanding industrial applications, positioning timber as a serious contender for lightweight structural elements in new markets such as automotive and infrastructure.

As a Doctoral student, you will take advanced courses within the Graduate School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, develop scientific concepts, and communicate research results both verbally and in writing. The position includes teaching duties (up to 20% of working hours), performing experimental tests on wood veneers to determine microstructural properties, optimizing thermo-hydro-mechanical process parameters, and developing and validating a Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) numerical model in ABAQUS to predict failure. Findings will be disseminated through high-impact journals and international conferences.

The position is fully funded from the start, with a fixed-term appointment of four years and the possibility to extend up to five years if teaching duties are included. The starting salary is 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025), and you will enjoy all employee benefits at Chalmers. Doctoral studies require physical presence in Sweden throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the start date.

Applicants must hold a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in Mechanical Engineering, Wood or Material Science, or Structural Engineering. For students educated outside Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required, along with experience in numerical modeling (e.g., Finite Element Analysis) or experimental material characterization. Additional experience in wood mechanics, computational mechanics, viscoelasticity, timber engineering, Abaqus, MATLAB, statistical software (e.g., Minitab), and non-destructive testing techniques (e.g., optical fiber sensing or tomography) will strengthen your application.

Chalmers offers a dynamic and inspiring working environment in Gothenburg, with generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. The university is committed to gender balance and equality, with initiatives such as the GENIE project. Swedish language courses are available for non-native speakers to help you settle in.

To apply, submit your application in English as PDF files via the online application form. Include your CV, personal letter, motivation, and thesis with transcripts. Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. Applications are due by 31 May 2026. For questions, contact Associate Professor Mahbube Subhani at [email protected].

Chalmers University of Technology is a leading institution in engineering, science, shipping, and architecture, with a strong focus on scientific excellence, sustainability, and innovation. Join us to advance your career and contribute to cutting-edge research in timber engineering.