Doctoral student (licentiate) in Bridge Engineering KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

The Division of Structural Engineering and Bridges at KTH Royal Institute of Technology is launching a research project in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration, focusing on developing new guidelines for soil-steel composite bridges with larger spans. Soil-steel bridges are recognized for their cost-effectiveness and sustainability and are widely used in Sweden, though current design guidelines restrict their span to approximately 15 meters. This project aims to advance the field by creating design recommendations and calculation models for soil-steel composite bridges exceeding 15 meters, utilizing both experimental testing and advanced numerical modeling with the finite element method.

Key research topics include fatigue behaviour and ultimate limit state analysis, addressing critical challenges in bridge engineering. The doctoral student will join an internationally leading research group and collaborate closely with the Swedish Transport Administration and industry partners specializing in soil-steel bridge construction. The position is supervised by Dr. Jean-Marc Battini, a recognized expert in the field.

Eligibility requires a master's degree in structural or civil engineering, or equivalent qualifications (240 higher education credits, with at least 60 at second-cycle level). English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate strong motivation, perseverance, independence, collaborative skills, professionalism, analytical ability, and a keen interest in structural mechanics, finite element methods, and both numerical and experimental research approaches. Certified copies of diplomas, grades, and language certificates are required, with translations into English or Swedish if originals are in other languages.

The position offers full-time employment with a monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement, along with attractive employee benefits. The employment is temporary, with a maximum duration corresponding to full-time doctoral education for two years (licentiate degree). The workplace is located in Stockholm, Sweden, providing a creative and dynamic environment with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and sustainability.

Applications must be submitted via KTH's recruitment system by June 20, 2026. Required documents include certified copies of diplomas and grades, language certificates, CV, application letter (maximum 2 pages), and representative publications or technical reports (with summaries and web links for longer documents). For further information, contact Dr. Jean-Marc Battini at [email protected].

Join KTH Royal Institute of Technology and contribute to shaping the future of bridge engineering through innovative research and collaboration with leading industry and public sector partners.