A doctoral (PhD) student in Mechanical Engineering – outdoor products

We conduct research and education in physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, industrial design engineering and didactics in mathematics and science education. We offer unique and world-leading research within the FSCN Research Centre and Sports Tech Research Centre.



The Sports Tech Research Centre (STRC) is an interdisciplinary research centre that conducts research in innovative development and validation of products, materials, technology and methods, primarily with sports organisations, sports and outdoor equipment companies, as well as hospitals and industry.

The research also covers medical applications, equipment for people with a disability and additive manufacturing (3D-printing) with applications primarily for materials and process development. The research centre has several technologically advanced labs, some of which are unique in the world.

 

Job description

Sustainability is rising in importance within the outdoor industry. From an environmental perspective, one potential strategy to minimise the environmental impact from outdoor equipment is to increase its lifespan. Ongoing research at STRC has highlighted that within the sports and outdoor industry, there is a lack of testing for technical products that simulates real-world conditions, which leads to a gap in knowledge in how to develop sustainable textile and plastic products, and an understanding of their behaviour over time, which can lead to a reduced functional lifespan.

This PhD project aims to investigate the different aspects of sustainability of sports and outdoor products, with a focus on plastics and/or textile materials. The work concerns the evaluation and developments of test methods and protocols to simulate real-world conditions, such as mechanical impacts, environmental impacts, the effects of contamination, maintenance, and repair, with the goal to enable the outdoor industry to have an improved understanding of how their products perform.  

The research will be applied and multidisciplinary, and includes both laboratory work as well as theoretical and practical studies, but the activities will be adapted to personal strengths and interests. The laboratory work will mainly be conducted in the lab for materials testing and climate tunnel of STRC.

Independent third-cycle studies encompass research (80-100%), teaching and administrative tasks (0-20%).


Entry requirements

General entry requirements include a second-cycle level qualification, or fulfilment of courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements include at least 90 credits in the subject of Mechanical Engineering/Industrial Design Engineering/Textile Engineering/Environmental Engineering/Materials Science or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad.


Assessment criteria

Previous experience in material testing of textiles and/or polymers, product development, life cycle assessment and knowledge about the sports and outdoor industry. Experience in research projects and teaching is also advantageous.


Personal qualities

We are looking for an individual that takes initiative, is responsible, builds relationships, and is structured in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work effectively.  


Other assessment criteria
In addition to the formal eligibility requirements, the selection will also be based on other work (such as thesis work), previous employment and interviews with applicants.

The research is conducted in collaboration with national industry but also in an international environment. Therefore, very good skills in English, both oral and written, are advantageous.

A description of the applicant's vision and goals regarding the field of durability of sports and outdoor products.


Employment process

Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with https://www.miun.se/anstallningsordning. 


Terms of employment

The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. The entry date is 01-10-2023 or as agreed.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of employment: Östersund

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.  


Information

For more detailed information contact Asst. Head of department, Dr. Fredrik Ståhl, mailto:fredrik.stahl@miun.se, tel. + 46 (0)10-142 84 64; Prof. Mikael Bäckström, mailto:mikael.backstrom@miun.se , +46 (0)10-142 83 01; or https://www.miun.se/en/meet-mid-sweden-university/Organisation/departments/imd/,
or https://www.miun.se/en/Research/research-centers/sports-tech-research-centre/. 


Application

Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English.

The application should include a verified CV, copies of official transcripts and degree certificates, description of objectives according to the above as well as other documents the applicant would like to refer to.

Please send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 2023-06-09.

Mid Sweden University has two campuses; in Sundsvall and in Östersund, both located close to students, colleagues and the surrounding society. At the same time, it is located conveniently close to the sea, forests and mountains, which provides a great quality of life. Here, new knowledge is created by means of internationally successful research and education that contribute to the development of our society. This way, we actively contribute to a sustainable future and a better world.


Welcome to a university where people meet, get inspired and think in new ways. 


Mid Sweden University works actively for equal opportunities and strives to embrace the qualities that diversity and equality bring to the organization. Prior to any recruitment work, Mid Sweden University has taken a position on consulting support, recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore kindly ask media vendors, recruitment sites and the like not to contact us.