Postdoc in Modeling Large Scale Effects of Electrification of Powertrains in Road-based Freight

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 334,800 - 424,080; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic working environment

Swedish courses for non-native speakers

Job summary

Karlstad University is seeking a motivated Postdoc to research modeling large-scale effects of electrification of powertrains in freight transport. You will work within a dynamic academic environment focused on sustainability and significant societal impacts.

Ideal candidates hold a relevant doctoral degree and have a solid foundation in dynamic systems and mathematical statistics. The position includes collaboration with industry stakeholders, teaching opportunities, and a two-year full-time contract.

Qualifications

• Hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Solid background in dynamic systems, optimal control, and mathematical statistics.
• Documented potential in research and education.
• Comfortable with teaching and willing to participate in courses.
• Strong communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Model and analyze large-scale effects of electrification of freight transport.
• Explore infrastructure needs, energy demand, and grid impacts.
• Publish high-quality research and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders on projects.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision in relevant courses.

Skills

Dynamic systems

Mathematical statistics

Optimal control

Strong communication skills in English

Education

Doctoral degree in Applied Mathematics or similar

Job description

Postdoc in Modeling Large Scale Effects of Electrification of Powertrains in Road-based Freight

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

If you enjoy turning complex dynamic systems into clear models and want your research to actually change how trucks can be developed into more sustainable actors in the transport system, this postdoc might be for you. We are looking for a curious and motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore what consequences electrification and hybridization of powertrains in trucks will have on the whole freight system. You will work in an academic environment that combines scientific excellence with a strong focus on sustainability and real‑world impact through tight industrial collaboration.

About us

At the Department of Mechanical Engineering, we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world.

About the research project

The pace of the transition to a fossil‑free transport sector will depend on many factors, such as vehicle and infrastructure design, how it influences haulage companies’ economy, and how the haulage company is affected by policies and legislation. Understanding and quantifying these connections and interactions will help policymakers and vehicle manufacturers make well‑informed decisions toward a fossil‑free transport system. This project will take a vehicle‑focused approach to the study of electrification of the transport system. The aim is to develop mathematically sound tools capable of connecting vehicle characteristics to a national CO₂ emission impact and to quantify these using statistical relations.

Who you are

You are a researcher who likes to dig into complex questions but also enjoys explaining them in a clear and accessible way. You are comfortable working both independently and in a team. You see teaching as an opportunity to grow, not just a task on your to‑do list.

The following requirements are mandatory

• You hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field (applied mathematics, electrical engineering, transport engineering, industrial engineering, applied physics, or similar). This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• A solid background in dynamic systems, optimal control, and mathematical statistics is strongly desired.
• You have documented potential in research and education, shown through publications, projects, or teaching activities.
• You are somewhat accustomed to teaching and are willing to take part in courses and supervision at the department.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• You work in a structured, solution‑oriented way and enjoy collaborating in diverse, interdisciplinary teams.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.

What you will do

In this role, you will focus on modeling and analyzing large‑scale effects of electrification of freight transport, from individual powertrains to system‑level effects. You will explore questions around infrastructure needs, energy demand, grid impacts, logistics, and policy, and turn them into robust, publishable results and useful insights for society. Along the way, you will contribute to both research and education.

• Using a combination of statistical models and optimal control to describe the settings and environment that trucks are operating in, and scale these models to include transport systems on a regional or national level.
• Analyze system‑level impacts on electricity demand, infrastructure, logistics, emissions, and costs.
• Publish high‑quality research in international journals and present at conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate with colleagues, industry, and public stakeholders in national and international projects.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision in relevant courses and student projects.
• Take part in project planning, reporting, and communicating results to both academic and non‑academic audiences.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Swedish courses to help you settle in if Swedish is not your native language.

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.