Xiaogai Li

Postdoc opportunity in continuum mechanics of brain tissue at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. This postdoctoral position is hosted by the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health and is connected to the growing division of Neuronic Engineering. The project focuses on improving material models of the brain, with particular emphasis on finite viscoelasticity , anisotropy , hyperelasticity , and heterogeneity , as well as integrating neuroimaging-derived cerebrovascular structures into finite element head models. The role is especially relevant for candidates with a background in nonlinear continuum mechanics , constitutive modelling , soft tissue modelling , or finite element analysis . The work sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering , biomedical engineering , materials science , and neuroscience , with a strong application to brain injury research and brain health. You will work in an interdisciplinary, international, collaborative, and supportive environment, and collaborate closely with Prof. Svein Kleiven, Assist. Prof. Zhou Zhou, and Assoc. Prof. Xiaogai Li, as well as other KTH researchers including Prof. Christian Gasser, Lisa Prahl Wittberg, and Rodrigo Moreno. Eligibility: a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree is required by the time the employment decision is made. Preferred candidates have a PhD obtained within the last three years, plus relevant research expertise and/or interest in user-defined material implementation. Strong communication skills in interdisciplinary settings are valued, along with independence, cooperation, structure, and the ability to teach others. Funding and terms: the appointment is a temporary postdoctoral position for up to two years, full-time (100%), with monthly salary. No stipend amount is listed. Application: apply via KTH’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV, diplomas and grades, translations if needed, and a brief two-page statement describing your research motivation, academic interests, and future goals. The deadline is 2026-04-27.

This postdoctoral position at KTH Royal Institute of Technology offers a unique opportunity to advance the continuum mechanics of brain tissue, focusing on material modelling and computational approaches to understanding brain injury. The research will center on improving material models of the brain, with particular emphasis on finite viscoelasticity, anisotropy, hyperelasticity, and heterogeneity. Integration of neuroimaging-derived cerebrovascular structures will enhance the anatomical accuracy of finite element head models, contributing to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries to the human nervous system. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will join the interdisciplinary and international Neuronic Engineering division, collaborating closely with Prof. Svein Kleiven, Assist. Prof. Zhou Zhou, and Assoc. Prof. Xiaogai Li. The division bridges engineering and medicine, aiming to improve brain health through innovative research. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with other research groups at KTH, including those led by Prof. Christian Gasser, Lisa Prahl Wittberg, and Rodrigo Moreno. KTH Royal Institute of Technology is a leading global institution, offering a creative and dynamic environment with attractive benefits and good working conditions. The university values equality, diversity, and equal opportunities, which are integral to its core values. The position is a full-time, two-year appointment with a monthly salary and is intended as a first career step after completing a dissertation. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent, with preferred qualifications including recent graduation (within three years), expertise in continuum mechanics, constitutive modelling, or soft tissue modelling, and experience or interest in compiling user-defined material models. Strong communication skills, independence, cooperation, structured work habits, teaching ability, and awareness of diversity and equal opportunities are highly valued. The application process requires submission of a CV, diplomas and grades, translations if necessary, a brief research statement, and a publication list. Applications must be submitted via KTH's recruitment system by midnight CET on April 27, 2026. This position is ideal for researchers seeking to advance their careers in engineering science, computational modelling, and brain health at a top international university. The collaborative and supportive environment at KTH provides ample opportunities for professional growth and impactful research.