Doctoral studentship in Building Technology

Sweden; Växjö kommun; On-site; SEK 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Linnaeus University in Vaxjö is offering a doctoral studentship in Building Technology, focusing on the optimization of timber connections to enhance structural performance and reduce carbon footprint. This full-time role involves research within a collaborative team and the development of innovative timber building materials.

The ideal candidate will have a second-cycle degree and must be proficient in computational mechanics and programming. If you're analytical and eager to contribute to sustainable building practices, we invite you to apply now.

Qualifications

• Degree at the second-cycle level is required.
• At least 240 credits of passed courses, with at least 60 at second-cycle level.
• Good command of English, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on optimized timber connections for structural performance.
• Use optimization algorithms and mechanical models for predictions.
• Participate in the development of low-carbon timber connection solutions.

Skills

Computational mechanics

Programming

Wood mechanics

Experimental/laboratory investigations

Education

Degree at the second-cycle level

Minimum 90 higher education credits in Building Technology or equivalent

Job description

Doctoral studentship in Building Technology

Vaxjo

Reference number: HR-2026/854

Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you'll meet 2 200 staff members and 40 000 students, all united in following the vision to set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development. With us, research and education are conducted with an eye towards the future. Our proximity to the business world, both locally and globally, gives us a wide reach and the ability to create change that makes an impact. All that's needed is a place where ideas have the space to meet and grow. That's what we've created – and you are invited.

Change starts here!

The Faculty of Technology has a broad remit, spanning eight different departments, each contributing to education and research at Linnaeus University. Our educational offerings range from short courses lasting only a few weeks or months, to five‑year programmes leading to a Master of Science in Engineering. Our research meets societal needs across several broad fields – in both the short and long term – and includes both basic research and applied research in collaboration with external stakeholders.

As part of the Faculty of Technology, the Department of Building Technology collaborates extensively with industry partners in both research and education. The department works with other related departments to foster a creative environment for high‑quality research and stimulating education. Research in building technology encompasses timber engineering; steel, concrete, hybrid and composite structural engineering; building physics; building materials; structural health monitoring; and life cycle analysis.

This doctoral studentship will be part of the Linnaeus University Centre (Lnuc) for Competitive Timber Structures, which conducts leading research on the use of forest‑based biomaterials to develop and improve wood‑based building materials, components, and systems, with the aim of reducing the climate impact of the construction sector and creating long‑term carbon sinks through wood‑based products and timber buildings.

Subject area for the position: Building Technology

Location until further notice: Vaxjö. Since Linnaeus University is located in both Vaxjö and Kalmar, travel between the two may be required.

Term and hours: The doctoral studentship is limited in time in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 5, Section 7). The studentship is full‑time.

Starting date: October 1 2026, or by agreement.

The PhD student will work within a research team in building technology and timber engineering to contribute to the development of advanced design approaches for optimized connections in timber structures. The PhD student’s main responsibility will be to conduct research aimed at optimizing timber connections with respect to structural performance, reliability, and environmental impact.

The research will focus on different types of timber connections, potentially including dowel‑type fastener connections as well as carpentry‑based connections. A key aspect of the project is multi‑objective optimization, where structural efficiency is balanced against other factors like the carbon footprint. The connection design will be studied not as an isolated component, but as an integral part of the overall timber structural system, influenced by boundary conditions, loading scenarios, and the global mechanical behaviour of the structure.

Closely connected to the optimization of connections is the prediction of their reliability. The research may include studies on homogenization effects in multiple‑fastener connections, as well as the influence of material variability and load redistribution. Furthermore, the effects of moisture‑induced volumetric changes, and potential connection degradation, may be considered within the optimization framework.

The work will involve the use of optimization algorithms and/or neural networks in combination with mechanical models for predicting connection behaviour. Methods for carbon footprint estimation will be integrated to support environmentally informed design decisions. The work may also involve carrying out destructive and non‑destructive tests on connections and structural elements. The project aims to contribute to the development of reliable, resource‑efficient, and low‑carbon timber connection solutions for modern timber structures.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, a person appointed to a doctoral studentship should primarily devote themselves to their own studies. An appointee may, however, work to a limited extent with education, research, and administration. However, before a doctoral degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20% of a full‑time position.

As part of the training, the PhD student will take courses of at least 60 credits as agreed with the supervisors. Attendance at national and international courses and conferences is supported, as well as exchanges with other partners outside the project.

Qualifications – general entry requirements for third‑cycle studies:

• Have been awarded a degree at the second‑cycle level
• Have at least 240 credits of passed courses, of which at least 60 credits are at the second‑cycle level; or
• Have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way, in or outside Sweden.

Qualifications – specific entry requirements for third‑cycle studies:

• Have a minimum of 90 higher education credits in one of the subjects Building Technology, Wood science and technology or in subjects related to the doctoral level studies, or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other manner either in Sweden or abroad, and
• Have a good command of English, both orally and in writing

Other requirements

In‑depth knowledge in the following areas:

• Computational mechanics including the finite element method
• Programming – implementation of methods and procedures in computer code.

In‑depth knowledge in the following areas:

• Wood mechanics and timber engineering
• Connections in timber structures

Experience of:

• Experimental/laboratory investigations
• Teaching on different levels and communication of research results

We are looking for a candidate who is curious, analytical, and always thorough in their work and who wants to develop their ability both by taking personal responsibility and by utilizing results and insights that have been developed through the research group’s previous work.

Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

URL to this page: https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/work-with-us/vacancies-page/?rmpage=job&rmjob=9160&rmlang=UK