Doctoral student in Structural Engineering with focus on imposed loads from occupancy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Department of Building and Environmental Technology, Division of Structural Engineering. The division conducts research and education at undergraduate and postgraduate level in various areas of structural engineering such as safety, risk and reliability analysis of building and infrastructure systems, environmental influences on structures, energy efficiency and utility stage analyses. The goal of the research at the division is to contribute to the development of buildings and infrastructures that are safe, functional and sustainable with regard to resource utilization and robustness. The research is of an applied nature and is often conducted in close collaboration with industry and other actors in the built environment.

Subject description

The main societal benefit of this research project is that building materials and resources can be used more efficiently with better load models and that our building codes reflect the actual load conditions that exist in buildings. The current load models are old and need to be updated both regarding load size and load positioning. This enables increased sustainability in the construction sector due to lower material use, increases the usage time of old buildings and enables e.g. adding extra stories without reinforcement. More logical load calculation models can also benefit practicing designers. The project will be carried out at Lund University in collaboration with the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning.

The purpose of the research project is to update the levels of imposed loads from occupancy and the related calculation models used in the design of buildings. Imposed loads from occupancy are the loads that arise during use, including loads of e.g. people and furniture, and are crucial for the design of the load-bearing system.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are 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 (no more than 20%).

The work in this research project is divided into three parts. The first part contains a mapping of imposed loads from occupancy using modern technology and previously used methods (for example, survey studies, image analyzes, entry systems, information from moving companies, and more). The second part consists of evaluation of computational models for the inclusion of variations in imposed load over time and space, as well as the development of a tool for load assessments (for example, deterministic and probabilistic models). The third part is a study of possible methods for continuous measurement/monitoring of imposed loads (for example, structural health monitoring).

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 Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in subjects of relevance to the field including at least 60 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

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme. Exemptions from the eligibility requirements can be given by the board of LTH.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Be able to assimilate documentation in Swedish.

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. 

Other assessment criteria:

• Knowledge and skills in structural engineering with a focus on house construction
• Knowledge and skills in reliability with application to building construction
• Being able to teach in Swedish or being able to disseminate results in Swedish

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

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 §§.

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.).