Postdoc in machine elements

KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for research focused on energy-efficient transport systems. The role emphasizes innovation in tribology and machine design, with strong collaborations with industry leaders, including Scania and AstraZeneca.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the green transition within the transport sector and the potential for significant impacts on sustainable practices. Candidates with a doctoral degree and research expertise in machine design or tribology are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• PhD required, obtained within the last three years preferred.
• Awareness of diversity and gender equality.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on energy-efficient transport systems.
• Develop methods for evaluating new grease formulations.
• Collaborate with industry partners like Traton/Scania.

Skills

Research expertise

Knowledge in machine design

Knowledge in tribology

Education

Doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree

Job description

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Industrial Engineering and Management

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 and 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.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security‑sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, 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.

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