Postdoc in Data Science for Urban Mining of Building Components

International Society for Industrial Ecology; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Support for research funding

Access to Swedish language courses

Job summary

A leading university in Sweden is seeking a Postdoc in Data Science for Urban Mining of Building Components. In this position, you'll develop and apply innovative data science methods to create a digital inventory of building components, supporting reuse and recycling in the urban environment. This role requires a doctoral degree in a relevant field, excellent communication skills, and experience with large datasets. Join a dynamic research team focused on sustainability and circular economy initiatives. The position offers a temporary employment for two years, with a collaborative environment in Gothenburg.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.
• Experience applying Machine Learning, particularly Computer Vision algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Create data structures for detailed inventories.
• Develop automated methods for data collection using images.
• Conduct case studies to test developed methods.
• Share findings in high-impact journals and conferences.
• Contribute to supervision of Master’s and PhD students.
• Engage in teaching at the undergraduate or Master’s level.
• Support acquisition of future research funding.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Proven experience in handling and structuring large datasets

Ability to independently lead research tasks

Collaborative mindset

Education

Doctoral degree in Data Science, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or Urban Studies

Tools

Python

R

GIS

Data Visualisation

Job description

Postdoc in Data Science for Urban Mining of Building Components

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

Do you want to develop and apply novel data science methods to achieve a breakthrough in mapping building components to facilitate reuse and recycling and support the transition to a circular economy? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the intersection of data, environmental and urban science.Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About us

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles the defining challenges of our time—from resource scarcity and climate change to digitalisation and urban inequality. We combineexpertisein architecture, civilengineeringand related disciplines to build a better world.

The Sustainable Built Environments Research Area develops the methods, tools, and strategies necessary to transition the built environment toward sustainability. Our work spans from material science to urban planning, bridging the gap between fundamental sustainability science and applied research in collaboration with industry, planners, and citizens.

About the research project

The project is funded through a prestigious Future Research Leader grant from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF). You will join a growing team that currently includes two PhD students. As a postdoc, you will support ongoing research while being encouraged to carve out your own distinct research line within the project’s framework.

The overarching aim is to develop a digital inventory of building components and materials in the existing urban stock that will facilitate architects and project developers in reusing them in new projects. Taking the Chalmers campus as a starting point, we are developing scalable, AI-powered methods,such as computer vision for street-view imagery and automated floor-plan recognition, to fill data gaps and harmonise information from disparate sources.

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in a field relevant to the project (e.g., Data Science, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or Urban Studies). Note: This degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proven experience in handling, structuring, and analysing large datasets
• The capacity to independently lead research tasks
• A collaborative mindset and a willingness to support grant writing and PhD supervision

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Advanced coding skills (Python, R, etc.)
• Expertise in GIS and data visualisation.
• Experience applying Machine Learning, particularly Computer Vision algorithms.

What you will do:

• Design & Develop: Create data structures for detailed, spatialised construction component and material inventories.
• Automate: Develop methods to automate the collection and harmonisation of data (type, age, condition) using images, building plans, and synthetic data.
• Validate: Conduct case studies to test and refine developed methods in real-world urban contexts.
• Publish & Present: Share findings in high-impact scientific journals and at international conferences.
• Mentor: Contribute to the supervision of Master’s and PhD students.
• Educate: Engage in teaching at the undergraduate or Master’s level.
• Grow: Support the acquisition of future research funding and build your professional network.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and ourbenefits for employees.

A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .

Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidised day care, free schools, healthcare, etc. at Move To Gothenburg.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.

Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter (max. 2 pages)

A brief introduction about yourself.

A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.

An outline of your future goals and research focus.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 20 April, 2026.

*** 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 in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture.With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

Job details

Title

Postdoc in Data Science for Urban Mining of Building Components

2026-04-20 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)
2026-04-20 23:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2026-04-20 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)