Postdoc in machine elements

Karlstad University; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 446,400 - 558,000; Full time

Job summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to advance research in energy-efficient transport systems. The successful candidate will address friction losses in vehicle systems by evaluating new grease formulations, working closely with partners like Traton/Scania.

This position offers a unique collaborative opportunity in Södertälje, with strong potential to contribute to sustainable solutions and build a significant international network.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained no later than the employment decision.
• Documented knowledge and skills in machine design and/or tribology.
• Awareness of diversity and gender equality issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in energy-efficient and sustainable transport systems.
• Evaluate new grease formulations for wheel bearings.
• Collaborate with industrial partners in the transport sector.

Skills

Research expertise

Knowledge in machine design

Knowledge in tribology

Collaborative abilities

Education

Doctoral degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Since its founding in 1827, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who wants to contribute to the next generation of energy‑efficient and sustainable transport systems through world‑class research in tribology and machine elements.

Friction losses in vehicle systems still account for a significant portion of global energy use. In heavy vehicles alone, around 180 billion liters of fuel are consumed annually due to friction, while the transport sector is facing significantly stricter climate requirements. The EU’s target of a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions from new heavy vehicles by 2040 places completely new demands on energy efficiency and innovative technical solutions.

In this project, the focus is on an often overlooked but very promising component: grease‑lubricated wheel bearing systems. The project aims to develop and implement a systematic and realistic method for evaluating new grease formulations, using a specially developed test rig that will be designed and built specifically for this purpose.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with leading players along the entire value chain, including Traton/Scania, Europe’s leading grease manufacturer Axel Christiernsson International and KTH. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to work at the interface between academic research and industrial application, with direct potential to contribute to future sustainable transport solutions.

This position is part of KTH’s PROCEED initiative for research activities in Södertälje, which provides a unique opportunity for research collaboration with Traton/Scania and AstraZeneca. To enable close collaboration, regular physical presence in Södertälje is included as an important part of the position. The position offers good opportunities to build a strong international network, develop your own research and contribute to the green transition of the industry.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research expertise.
• Documented knowledge and skills in machine design and/or tribology.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• Collaborative abilities.
• Independence.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Benefits and Working Environment

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Employment Details

Type of employment: temporary position.

Contract type: full time.

First day of employment: 01.01.2027 or according to agreement.

Salary: monthly salary.

Number of positions: 1.

Full‑time equivalent: 100%.

Location: Stockholm, Sweden (County: Stockholms län). City: Stockholm.

Reference number: PA‑2026‑2447.

Contact: Sergei Glavatskih, [e-mail].

Publication date: 2026-06-26.

Last application date: 2026-08-23 (Europe/Stockholm).

Applicable to security‑sensitive roles in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). A security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant’s consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.