Doctoral Student in Timber Engineering Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, invites applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in timber engineering. This opportunity is based within the Division of Structural Engineering at 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, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

The research project centers on investigating hygro-thermo-mechanical mechanisms to form wood into high-performance, thin-walled structures. The doctoral student will explore how manufacturing processes and the natural properties of wood create internal stresses, affecting the strength and stability of the final product. The project combines advanced experimental tools and computer simulations to develop a framework for optimizing sustainable timber materials for demanding industrial applications, aiming to position timber as a competitive option for lightweight structural elements in automotive and infrastructure sectors.

Key responsibilities include conducting experimental tests on wood veneers to determine microstructural properties, measuring internal stresses, optimizing thermo-hydro-mechanical process parameters, and developing a Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) numerical model in ABAQUS to predict failure. The doctoral student will also communicate findings through high-impact journals and international conferences, and may teach undergraduate courses or perform other duties up to 20% of working hours.

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 the application. Physical presence in Sweden is required throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date.

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 doctoral students are employees with full benefits. 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, and offers Swedish language courses for international students.

To apply, submit your application via the online application form by 31 May 2026. Attach your CV, personal letter, motivation, and thesis transcripts as PDF files (max 40 MB each). Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 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. Founded in 1829, Chalmers continues to advance knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world, working in close collaboration with industry and society.