Doctoral student in Structural Mechanics with focus on wood-based structural materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Structural Mechanics, at the Department of Construction Sciences, offers a collaborative work environment and committed employees. We have a strong focus on good teaching, leading research and we have access to equipment for advanced computer calculations and experimental measurements. You will work in a group of researchers who are motivated by understanding and solving societal challenges. We are motivated by developing new knowledge that contributes to developing solutions to engineering problems.

Doctoral studies provide an opportunity to become an expert in a research area and to learn good research methodology, and forms the basis for a continued career in research and development, in academia or industry.

Subject description

The disciplinary core of the subject is structural mechanics based on the principles and idealisations of continuum mechanics. Structural mechanics is a core subject of civil engineering, but there are applications in a number of different fields associated with structural performance. A key focus of research is methods and strategies of calculation specialising in computer simulations of applied mechanics. The research also includes experimental methods for verifying computer models. 

Work duties

This call concerns research in structural mechanics with application to wood-based structures. The research work includes development of calculation methods and models for analysis of load-bearing capacity and stiffness, as well as experimental investigations of properties of materials, structural elements and joints. Of particular interest are fracture properties and shear properties for hardwood species. The main duty of doctoral students is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties, but no more than 20% of the working hours.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Structural Mechanics if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in subjects of relevance to the field including at least 75 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of at least 30 credits in the field, or
• a second-cycle degree in a relevant field. 

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

The assessment of the ability may in part be evaluated by assigning the applicant a task to be completed and reported.

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience of developing numerical models for structural analysis. The finite element method and applications in wood-based structures are of particular interest.
• Experience of experimental tests in the subject of study, especially linked to practical work in a laboratory environment and applications in wood-based structures.
• Teaching experience.
• Proficiency in Swedish, oral and written, as most of the department's teaching is in Swedish. The current research project also includes collaboration with Swedish companies and research institutes where Swedish is the main language.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You are kindly asked also to answer the selection questions.