Doctoral student in steel structures

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 362,808 - 434,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Supportive working environment

Swedish language courses available

Job summary

Karlstad University is looking for a Doctoral student to join the Division of Structural Engineering in Gothenburg. The candidate will engage in a funded research project focusing on the reuse of welded steel components in bridges, enhancing knowledge in sustainable design.

The role involves taking advanced courses, developing scientific concepts, and teaching. A Master’s degree in civil engineering is required alongside strong communication skills in English. Enjoy employee benefits in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential.
• Experience in design and engineering practice is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Take advanced courses within the Graduate School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
• Develop scientific concepts and communicate research results.
• Teach undergraduate courses or perform related duties.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Experience from design and engineering practice

Experience from production and/or design of steel structures

Knowledge in sustainable design and life‑cycle assessment

Education

Master’s degree of 120 credits in civil engineering

4‑year Bachelor’s degree (if education earned outside of Sweden)

Job description

Our goal is to focus on competence, knowledge and collaboration in order to play an important, demonstrable role in social development.

We are looking for a Doctoral student to become part of our team at the Division of Structural Engineering at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. Join our innovative team and contribute to exciting research in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About us

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles contemporary and emerging challenges for the built and natural environment, ranging from resource utilisation, pollution and climate change to digitalisation and inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering and related disciplines to build a better world.

The ambition of the Division of Structural Engineering is to provide world‑class basic and research education, and internationally leading research. Our work addresses critical questions on extending the service life of existing structures and developing new materials and methods for more robust and sustainable concrete structures, steel and composite structures, as well as timber structures.

About the research project

InfraCirc is a 3‑year research project funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The project aims at creating the basis for reuse of welded steel components in and from steel and composite bridges. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with research institutes, stakeholders, industry actors, consultancy and branch organisations to find the best way to reuse larger welded structures. The project will also focus on "Design for adaptation and reuse" applied to new steel bridges, where the candidate will work on development of new bridge/connection concepts that enable adaptable bridge construction.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master’s degree of 120 credits or a Master’s degree of 60 credits in civil engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience from design and engineering practice is valuable.

* For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4‑year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience from production and/or design of steel structures.
• Knowledge in the field of sustainable design and life‑cycle assessment.

What you will do

• Take advanced courses within the Graduate School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.
• Teach at the undergraduate level or perform other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student position is fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed‑term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20 percent, which can extend the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from 1 May 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Swedish courses are available to help you settle in if Swedish is not your native language.

Contact information and additional details about doctoral studies are available on the Chalmers website.