Postdoc position in Structural Engineering

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a natural part of the work? With us, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy strong opportunities to attract external funding. You will have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (CENE) offers unique, collective research expertise in civil and structural engineering. The research subject Structural Engineering (https://www.ltu.se/en/research/research-subjects/structural-engineering) is now seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher contributing towards science and technology in condition assessment. In our department we strive for everyone to develop in the subject and as a person.

Subject description

Structural Engineering includes loads, design, sustainability, load carrying capacity, repair and strengthening, of buildings and civil engineering structures made of concrete, steel, wood and other materials, separately or in combination, at normal conditions, in cold climate and in fire.

Project description

The project, Semi-Probabilistic Assessment of Infrastructure under Climate Impacts, develops and applies semi-probabilistic and probabilistic methods to assess the current and future load-bearing capacity of existing infrastructure, taking into account climate change and non-stationary environmental conditions. The objective is to link reliability-based research to practically applicable decision-support tools for infrastructure managers and public authorities.

The work is closely linked to research in bridge monitoring, condition assessment, and data-driven infrastructure management. Data from case studies (inspections, monitoring, and experimental tests) are used for model updating, calibration of safety formats, and prediction of future performance and remaining service life.

Duties

You will conduct research with strong methodological and applied components, leading to publications in peer-reviewed international journals and presentations at major conferences.

Your work will include:

Develop semi-probabilistic and probabilistic frameworks for the assessment of existing infrastructure under climate impact

Integrate time-dependent deterioration models with climate projections

Update models using monitoring and inspection data

Calibrate and compare safety formats

Translate analytical results into decision-support tools

Contribute to supervision, teaching, and research proposals

Qualifications

To be eligible for this postdoctoral position, you must hold a PhD in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field, with specialization in structural reliability, probabilistic methods, infrastructure assessment, or durability. The doctoral degree must be completed at the time of appointment.

The following qualifications and experience are required:

Strong research background in structural reliability and probabilistic/semi-probabilistic analysis, as well as safety formats for structural design and assessment

Documented experience with time-variant models for structural load-bearing capacity, deterioration processes, or life-cycle-based analysis of structures

Experience with Monte Carlo simulation, FORM/SORM, or similar methods

Ability to work with experimental, monitoring, or inspection data for model updating and uncertainty quantification

Good knowledge of existing structures, particularly concrete structures and bridges

Strong publication record

Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English, and the ability to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary collaborations

The following qualifications will be considered meritorious:

Experience with climate change scenarios and their application in structural or infrastructure assessment

Knowledge of code calibration, partial safety factors, or assessment standards for existing structures

Experience translating technical results into decision-support tools or guidelines for infrastructure owners or public authorities

Further information

Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting: As soon as possible.

For further information about the position, please contact Jaime Gonzalez, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920-49 2970, mailto:jaime.gonzalez@ltu.se or Chao Wang, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920-49 2944, mailto:chao.wang@ltu.se

Union representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46) 920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: August 3, 2026

Reference number: 3824-2026