Postdoctoral researcher in Structural Engineering

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 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.The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering offers unique, collective research expertise in civil and structural engineering. The research subject Structural Engineering is now seeking a highly motivated associate senior lecturer contributing with research and education in structural engineering.

The Research Subject has as mission to preserve, transfer and create knowledge in structural and fire engineering domains and has three goals. First to educate students in structural and fire engineering, second to research and develop methods to prolong the life length of existing structures and third, to research and develop structural design methods to promote circularity in construction industry.

Subject description
Structural Engineering includes loads, design, sustainability, load carrying capacity, repair and strengthening, of buildings and civil engineering structures made of concrete, steel, wood and other materials, separately or in combination, at normal conditions, in cold climate and in fire.

Project description
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for developing and applying a methodology to evaluate and predict the damage caused by subsidence, mining events, and mining-induced earthquakes in one of the buildings affected by mining activities in the city of Kiruna. The successful candidate will create a digital twin model of structures, develop finite element models, perform a comprehensive damage and condition assessment, predict the structural behaviour based on real-time damage evolution, and propose a detailed intervention plan to guarantee the safety of structures. The candidate will work closely with a team of researchers and project managers to ensure timely completion of the project.

Duties


• Collaborate with other researcher to create a digital model of the building by using BIM, GIS and FEM technology
• Conduct a comprehensive damage and condition assessment of the structures
• Propose a detailed intervention plan to ensure the safety of the structures
• Collaborate with a team of researchers and project managers to ensure timely completion of the project
• Prepare reports on the results from simulations and forecasts of future damage based on different subsidence scenarios
• Ensure that the methodology developed and applied in the case study can subsequently be implemented for other cases
• Equivalent to a Contribute to project management activities


Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree PhD in Civil Engineering or a related field. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence. You must also have experience in developing digital twin models and finite element models of structures, a strong background in structural analysis and design and a strong background in earthquake engineering or other dynamic loads related knowledge. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also important to have. You have an ability to work effectively in a team and meet project deadlines.

Familiarity with damage assessment and condition monitoring techniques, proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or R is an advantage. An experience in project management and ability to develop grant proposals is also an advantage.

Further information
This is a full-time position for a period of two years with a possibility of extension depending on funding availability. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at LTU but extensive travels and stays are expected in to take place in the city of Kiruna.

The recruitment process expected start date for the position is August 2023.

For further information, please contact: Associate Senior Lecturer Jaime Gonzalez jaime.gonzalez@ltu.se, Professor Gabriel Sas, Gabriel.sas@ltu.se 

Union representatives: SACO-S: Kjell Johansson, +46(0)920 49 1529, kjell.johansson@ltu.se OFR-S: Lars Frisk, +46(0)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.

Reference number: 1732-2023
Last day to apply: May 31 2023