PhD student position in Solid and Structural Mechanics

You are invited to apply for a PhD student position in the project "Optimization of railway crossing panel design for improved long-term performance". In this project, you will perform advanced numerical simulations of dynamic vehicle-track interaction and employ finite element and optimization methods to improve the design of railway crossings.

Information about the project
A fixed railway crossing allows for trains to pass over two intersecting tracks, but each wheel transfer between the different rails results in a wheel-rail impact load leading to damage of wheels and rails, noise and vibration, and settlement of ballast. Based on advanced simulation methods and models, the aim of the PhD project is to optimize the crossing panel design to improve long-term performance, while reducing Life Cycle Cost and environmental impact (in terms of reduced amounts of steel and concrete). The models will be calibrated versus field measurements and monitoring data from instrumented crossing panels. Production aspects will be considered in the design optimization. You will be working in close cooperation with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and other actors in the railway sector.

The project will be part of the activities within the Competence Centre CHARMEC - CHAlmers Railway MEChanics. CHARMEC, the Swedish National Centre of Excellence in Railway Mechanics, was established in 1995. CHARMEC is supported by Chalmers, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and an industrial interests group comprising ten partners. The long-term CHARMEC research and knowledge bank aims at reducing the railway's costs for production, environment, operation and maintenance while improving safety, reliability and transport quality. Currently, some 25 research projects are carried out within CHARMEC.

The position will be at the Division of Dynamics at the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2). As a PhD student you will belong to the Graduate School of Solid and Structural Mechanics following the Syllabus at https://www.chalmers.se/en/research/doctoral-programmes/graduate-schools/Pages/Solid-and-Structural-Mechanics.aspx.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. This includes developing scientific concepts and communicating research results verbally and in writing. In addition to research project activities, you will also take courses on the advanced level adequate for the project following the syllabus of the Graduate School SSM. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 10-20 per cent of working hours. 

Contract terms
The position is a full-time temporary employment limited to 4.5-5 years. You will be employed by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements.

Qualifications
A suitable background is a Master of Science (Swedish: Civilingenjör) in mechanical engineering, civil engineering or engineering physics with emphasis on solid mechanics, structural dynamics and computational methods. The position requires oral and written communication skills in English and preferably also in Swedish. Swedish is not required, but you will be encouraged to learn Swedish during employment and Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

You are expected to take initiatives, work independently when needed and to take responsibility for your work. Further, the project interacts closely with adjacent disciplines and industrial partners. Thus you need to have good collaborative skills. Finally, you need to be able to disseminate results and knowledge within existing and new networks. This includes academia, industry and society at large.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210563 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10017&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 14 January, 2022

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!