Postdoc position in Structural Engineering

Luleå tekniska universitet - Platsbanken; Luleå kommun; On-site; SEK 450,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Luleå tekniska universitet is offering a Postdoc position in Structural Engineering focusing on infrastructure assessment related to climate change. This role involves research publication, development of probabilistic models, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in a related field and have experience in structural reliability. The position presents a unique opportunity to impact research and education positively while working in a modern environment.

Qualifications

• Strong research background in structural reliability and probabilistic analysis.
• Experience with time‑variant models for structural load‑bearing capacity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on interdisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research leading to publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Develop frameworks for assessing existing infrastructure under climate impact.
• Integrate time‑dependent deterioration models with climate projections.

Skills

Structural reliability

Probabilistic analysis

Monte Carlo simulation

Good English proficiency

Experimental data handling

Education

PhD in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering

Tools

Monitoring and inspection data analysis

Job description

Postdoc position in Structural Engineering

Postdoktor/Postdoc

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a natural part of the work? With us, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy strong opportunities to attract external funding. You will have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (CENE) offers unique, collective research expertise in civil and structural engineering. The research subject Structural Engineering (https://www.ltu.se/en/research/research-subjects/structural-engineering ) is now seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher contributing towards science and technology in condition assessment. In our department we strive for everyone to develop in the subject and as a person.

Structural Engineering includes loads, design, sustainability, load carrying capacity, repair and strengthening, of buildings and civil engineering structures made of concrete, steel, wood and other materials, separately or in combination, at normal conditions, in cold climate and in fire.

The project, Semi-Probabilistic Assessment of Infrastructure under Climate Impacts, develops and applies semi-probabilistic and probabilistic methods to assess the current and future load‑bearing capacity of existing infrastructure, taking into account climate change and non‑stationary environmental conditions. The objective is to link reliability‑based research to practically applicable decision‑support tools for infrastructure managers and public authorities.

The work is closely linked to research in bridge monitoring, condition assessment, and data‑driven infrastructure management. Data from case studies (inspections, monitoring, and experimental tests) are used for model updating, calibration of safety formats, and prediction of future performance and remaining service life.

Duties

You will conduct research with strong methodological and applied components, leading to publications in peer‑reviewed international journals and presentations at major conferences.

Your work will include:

• Develop semi‑probabilistic and probabilistic frameworks for the assessment of existing infrastructure under climate impact
• Integrate time‑dependent deterioration models with climate projections
• Update models using monitoring and inspection data
• Calibrate and compare safety formats
• Translate analytical results into decision‑support tools
• Contribute to supervision, teaching, and research proposals

Qualifications

To be eligible for this postdoctoral position, you must hold a PhD in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field, with specialization in structural reliability, probabilistic methods, infrastructure assessment, or durability. The doctoral degree must be completed at the time of appointment.

The following qualifications and experience are required:

• Strong research background in structural reliability and probabilistic/semi‑probabilistic analysis, as well as safety formats for structural design and assessment
• Documented experience with time‑variant models for structural load‑bearing capacity, deterioration processes, or life‑cycle‑based analysis of structures
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation, FORM/SORM, or similar methods
• Ability to work with experimental, monitoring, or inspection data for model updating and uncertainty quantification
• Good knowledge of existing structures, particularly concrete structures and bridges
• Strong publication record
• Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English, and the ability to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary collaborations

The following qualifications will be considered meritorious:

• Experience with climate change scenarios and their application in structural or infrastructure assessment
• Knowledge of code calibration, partial safety factors, or assessment standards for existing structures

Further information

Full‑time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting: As soon as possible.

For further information about the position, please contact Jaime Gonzalez, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920‑49 2970, [e-mail] or Chao Wang, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920‑49 2944, [e-mail]

Union representatives:

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: August 3, 2026

Reference number: 3824-2026