PhD Positions in Energy Engineering and Thermal Comfort in Electric Buses and Heating Systems at KTH Royal Institute of Technology KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

KTH Royal Institute of Technology is offering two newly opened PhD positions in the field of Energy Engineering, with a focus on thermal comfort in electric public transport buses and the development of next-generation heating systems for European multi-family homes. The first PhD project aims to minimize energy use in electric public transport buses through field studies, simulations, passenger surveys, and pilot studies, ultimately contributing to increased energy efficiency and the transition to sustainable public transport. The research will investigate the relationship between passenger thermal comfort, drivetrain and battery thermal management, and energy consumption for heating and cooling in city buses. The project is expected to develop guidelines for operators and manufacturers, supporting the energy transition in transport systems.

The second PhD position centers on innovative, circular-by-design, apartment-level compact heating systems for European multi-family houses. The successful candidate will join an international and diverse team working on cross-disciplinary solutions to advance sustainable heating technologies.

Applicants should have a relevant master's degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering, Building Physics, or a similar area, with a strong background in climate control, indoor climate, thermal comfort, or energy use in HVAC systems. Experience with field measurements, data analysis, simulation and modeling tools (such as MATLAB, TRNSYS, or IDA ICE), and vehicle systems is highly valued. Swedish language skills are meritorious, and proficiency in English (equivalent to English B/6) is required. The positions are fully funded, with a monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement, and are financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, Stockholm Public Transport, and Nobina.

Supervision will be provided by Professor Hatef Madani and Docent Joachim Claesson. The research environment at KTH is dynamic and international, offering collaboration with industry and leading universities worldwide. The application deadline is January 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the KTH recruitment portal.