PhD Student in Building Materials

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.In northern Sweden large investments are performed in structures for facilities of fossil-free steel production, construction of a new coastal railway (Norrbotniabanan), port constructions and construction of wind power plants. In these structures concrete is the main building material. Only for the Norrbotniabanan, 250 concrete bridges are to be built and concrete structure for one of the fossil-free steel production sites amounts to about 10 % of the annually ready mixed concrete production in Sweden.

Sweden faces the challenge of building considerable volumes of infrastructure, industries and housing at the same time that climate change affects both the society and the economy. "There is no longer time for half-hearted measures" (UN climate panel IPCC).

The construction- and concrete industries therefore takes a collective approach to climate-neutral concrete and has, in collaboration with Fossil-free Sweden, developed the roadmap for climate-neutral concrete. The goal is that concrete for house construction already this year should reach a halved climate impact compared to the reference, and by 2030 emission free concrete should be on the market. In 2045, all concrete must include these properties, i.e., being climate neutral.

The prerequisite for the climate-reduced concrete qualities is that the basic performance should meet the criteria for function and durability. This is where research is needed.

The research subject of Building Materials includes sustainable building materials and their application technologies, recycling and reuse, and applied building physics, especially focusing on the artic conditions. Building materials consists of 19 persons including 5 professors and one post doc. https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/Byggmaterial?l=en

Project description
I the project, you as a PhD student cooperate in the development of future climate-reduced concrete with special application to construction and industrial projects in the north.

It is being investigated which possibilities these concretes have for reduced climate load while maintaining the same function and performance. If possible, the performance should be higher. In particular, the material properties of green concrete are studied at an early stage and how these affect the possibilities for construction in cold climates.

Laboratory studies of concrete properties and subsequent mathematical modeling are carried out. Development of material models and test methods are performed. Thereby, forecasts can be made for problem-free casting in winter conditions and followed up afterwards.

As the position of doctoral student, you are supervised by experienced researchers in close contact with industry including front specialists regarding future binder and concrete at Heidelberg Materials as well as at specialists at contractors related to the construction of the coastal railway Norrbotniabanan and structures for fossil-free steel production through, among others, H2Green Steel.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects.

In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role and to serve as a project leader of various development projects supporting the industry.

Qualifications
You should have master’s degree in civil engineering and materials science. Basic knowledge related to building materials, especially including cementitious binders, concrete and its application to structures are beneficial. A requisite for doctoral studies is that you master English language in writing and speaking.

For further info please visit


• General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other duties (above mentioned) may be added with max 20 %.

For further information about the position, please contact Senior lecturer Jonny Nilimaa, jonny.nilimaa@ltu.se, Post-doc Magdalena Rajczakowska@ltu.se, Prof. Andrzej Cwirzen, andrzej.cwirzen@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se  
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

Luleå University of Technology is actively working on equality and diversity that contributes to a creative study- and work environment. The University's core values are based on respect, trust, openness and responsibility.

Application
Please 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, should preferably be written in English. Recruitment communication and possible interview will be done in English language.

Reference number: 2435-2023
Last day of application: June 20, 2023