Postdoc in Finite Element Modelling and Testing of Wooden Veneer Structures

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 443,557 - 554,446; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits including language support

Dynamic working environment in Gothenburg

Support for settlement

Job summary

Karlstad University is seeking a Postdoc in Finite Element Modelling and Testing of Wooden Veneer Structures. This role focuses on innovative research in wind turbine blade development using sustainable materials. The position involves numerical simulations and collaboration across disciplines.

The ideal candidate has a doctoral degree in relevant fields, strong modeling experience, and is capable of supervising students. This is a full-time, two-year temporary position located in Gothenburg with comprehensive employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field required.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced numerical modeling is essential.
• Communication skills in English are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in the fabrication and assembly of prototypes.
• Drive numerical modeling and perform structural validation.
• Collaborate across departments for integrated performance metrics.
• Supervise students and engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.

Skills

Advanced numerical modeling

Finite Element Analysis

Strong communication skills

Project management

Education

Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Postdoc in Finite Element Modelling and Testing of Wooden Veneer Structures

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

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research in the bio-based structural materials field? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the Division of Structural Engineering, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, focused on innovative research in circular wind power infrastructures.

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, and timber and biobased structures.

About the Research Project

This interdisciplinary project aims to address the wind industry's "blades‑to‑landfill" challenge by developing sustainable, high‑performance wind turbine blades made from wood veneers. Specifically, this project aims to develop a manufacturing process to create complex, aerodynamically precise geometries suitable for wind turbine blades using biobased materials.

Additionally, the role involves utilising numerical simulations to investigate the structural and aerodynamic performance of the newly developed wind turbine blade under operational loads.

Who We Are Looking For

• A doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Wood Technology, Structural Mechanics / Engineering, or an equivalent degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced numerical modeling of structures/materials (e.g., Finite Element Analysis) and/or experimental structural testing.
• Experience in wood mechanics, advanced material forming processes, or structural dynamics (desired).

What You Will Do

• Lead or assist in the hands‑on fabrication and assembly of the bio‑based wind turbine blade prototypes for structural testing.
• Drive the numerical modeling of wood forming processes and perform structural validation of veneer blade prototypes.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate material mechanics with wind turbine aerodynamic performance metrics.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent.
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.

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

• All employee benefits as part of employment at Chalmers.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Support for settlement, including Swedish language courses.