Doctoral student in timber engineering

Om jobbet

Looking for your next challenge? Join us for an exciting and excellent Doctoral student journey to explore new possibilities of using wood in the automotive and infrastructure sectors!

We are looking for a Doctoral student to become part of our multidisciplincary team at the Division of Structural Engineering at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Join us to pursue exciting research in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

About us

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles contemporary and emerging challenges for the built and natural environment, ranging from resource utilisation, pollution and climate change to digitalisation and inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering and related disciplines to build a better world.

The ambition of the Division of Structural Engineering is to provide world-class basic and research education, and internationally leading research. Our work addresses critical questions on extending the service life of existing structures and developing new materials and methods for more robust and sustainable concrete structures, steel and composite structures, as well as timber structures

About the research project

This project investigates the hygro-thermo-mechanical mechanisms required to form wood into high-performance, thin-walled structures. You will study how manufacturing processes and natural properties of wood create internal stresses that affect the final product's strength and stability. Using both advanced experimental tools and computer simulations, you will help develop a framework to optimize these sustainable materials for demanding industrial applications. The goal is to make timber a serious contender for lightweight structural elements in new and exciting markets.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in numerical modeling (e.g., Finite Element Analysis) or experimental material characterization.

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Knowledge of wood mechanics / computational mechanics, viscoelasticity, or timber engineering.
• Experience in Abaqus, MATLAB, or statistical software like Minitab
• Familiarity with non-destructive testing techniques (e.g., optical fiber sensing or tomography).

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Architecture and Civil Engineering. (link to specific graduate school Graduate schools | Chalmers )
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
• Perform experimental tests on wood veneers to determine microstructural properties and measure internal stresses
• Optimize thermo-hydro-mechanical process parameters to reduce internal stress
• Develop and validate a Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) numerical model in ABAQUS to predict failure
• Communicate findings through high-impact journals and international conferences

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note:The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 31 May 2026.

For questions, please contact:

Mahbube Subhani
Associate Professor in Timber Engineering
Email: mahbube@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.

The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

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