PhD Student in Machine Design with a focus on modularization

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.Would you like to contribute to the ongoing green transition? As part of the Green Transition North project, we are looking for a PhD student who will specialize in methods for using modularization to increase circularity in value chains. You will be a part of a strategic investment where we work together to go from words to action in the green transition.

You will work at the research subject of Machine Design at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. Research in product development, simulation-driven design, utility machine automation, and modeling & simulation is conducted here. The research group consists of 6 senior researchers and 7 PhD students and has access to well-adapted office spaces with shared facilities, as well as unique research infrastructure. The research group collaborates with other universities and institutes both nationally and internationally.

Subject description
Machine Design encompasses, for engineering systems, simulation-driven product development, modelling and simulation, product development methodology and product information management. Models, methods, processes and tools for developing products are important for the research subject.

Project description
Increased focus on sustainability demands that different products and services are developed to improve circularity in value chains and over life cycles. Modularization has been widely used to meet multiple customers’ needs with a minimal number of active components, driven mainly by economic incentives. At the same time, modularization also positively affects environmental sustainability through opportunities for reduced material volumes, reduced inventory, subsystem upgrades and adaptations, etc. The aim of this project is to use modularization to minimize environmental impacts and improve the value of products and services in value chains. The goal is to develop a generic methodology for how modularization can be used in the design stage to improve circularity in material flows and simultaneously enhance generated values.

The work is carried out as part of the Green Transition North project, which aims to promote sustainable change in northern Sweden. The project takes place in close cooperation between researchers and industry and small and medium sized enterprises. The main funder is the European Regional Development Fund.

Duties
A PhD student position involves third-level advanced studies while working in a research project. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work, including publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting at national and international conferences. You will also participate in mandatory and voluntary PhD courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to gain teaching experience. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how to drive challenging development projects.

Qualifications
University degree (MSc or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, product development or equivalent. You should have a strong interest, curiosity, and passion for research, and we highly value your personality and individual qualities. Experience in mechanical system design and product development in theory and practice is considered advantageous. Applicants must be proficient in English and Swedish in both speech and writing. Experience with CAD/CAE is also considered advantageous, as teaching is conducted in mechanical engineering. A category B driver's license is also considered advantageous. Luleå University of Technology's employee policy and gender equality goals are taken into account in the evaluation of candidates.

For further information on doctoral studies in Mechanical Engineering, see the study plan for doctoral education within the Faculty of Engineering. See also general syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and tchnology.

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: September 1

For further information about the position, please contact prof. Magnus Karlberg, +46 920-49 2418, magnus.karlberg@ltu.se

Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se and OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@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: May 31, 2023
Reference number: 1851-2023