Postdoc in simulation model development for climate-neutral waterborne transport on coastal and[...]

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 489,929 - 653,239; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to all employee benefits

Dynamic and inspiring working environment

Swedish language courses for non-native speakers

Job summary

Karlstad University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a project focused on climate-neutral waterborne transport. You will develop performance assessment frameworks, conduct operational analyses, and engage in teaching while working in a dynamic environment in Gothenburg.

The role demands strong communication skills and programming abilities in Python and MATLAB, alongside a doctoral degree in relevant fields. Employee benefits and Swedish language courses are provided.

Qualifications

• Must have a doctoral degree before the employment decision.
• Experience in hydrodynamics-related research is required.
• A recent doctoral degree (last three years) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop a performance assessment framework for electrified vessels.
• Create models for operational profiles and environmental conditions.
• Conduct analyses to quantify effects on electric propulsion performance.
• Assess battery performance under Nordic winter conditions.
• Develop a life-cycle assessment framework for vessel concepts.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students.
• Engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Programming skills in Python

Programming skills in MATLAB

Experience in ship energy systems modeling

Experience in ship motions analyses

Collaborative mindset

Education

Doctoral degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Computer Sciences, or equivalent

Job description

Postdoc in simulation model development for climate‑neutral waterborne transport on coastal and inland waterways

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Division of Marine Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and contribute to research in climate‑neutral waterborne transport.

About the research project

The project focuses on advancing electromobility in shipping by integrating high‑fidelity vessel operation simulations with energy system analysis to optimize performance, energy use, and infrastructure deployment for coastal and inland waterways.

Who we are looking for

We seek a passionate and talented colleague ready to make an impact.

Mandatory requirements

• A doctoral degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Computer Sciences, or an equivalent foreign degree (must be obtained before the employment decision).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Good programming skills in Python and MATLAB.
• Experience in ship energy systems modelling, ship motions analyses and hydrodynamics‑related research.
• Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile, including social skills and a collaborative mindset.

Additional experience (strengthening)

• A doctoral degree obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Verified experience from leading projects and presenting at large international conferences.

What you will do

• Develop a performance assessment framework for electrified coastal and inland vessels using route‑specific simulations of energy use.
• Create models for handling hydraulic data, operational profiles, and environmental conditions to quantify energy demand across different operating states.
• Conduct operational analyses to quantify the effects of ship dynamics and environmental disturbances on electric propulsion performance and energy demand.
• Assess battery performance and operational reliability under Nordic winter conditions to support robust winter navigation.
• Develop a life‑cycle assessment framework to quantify the environmental and economic performance of alternative vessel concepts and optimising charging infrastructure deployment.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent.
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.

Contract terms

Temporary full‑time employment for two years with a possibility of a one‑year extension.

Physical presence required throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date; otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

Benefits

• Postdoc employment at Chalmers, with access to all employee benefits.
• Dynamic and inspiring working environment in Gothenburg.
• Swedish language courses available for non‑native speakers.