PhD Student in Geotechnical Engineering

Annons: 29772647
Yrke: Doktorand
Arbetsgivare: Luleå tekniska universitet
Arbetets ort: Luleå, Norrbottens län
Senaste ansökningsdatum: 2025-07-17
Publiceringsdatum: 2025-06-16


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Presentation:

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly SEK 2,1 billion per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.Luleå University of Technology is one of Europe's leading universities in geotechnical engineering. The university offers an opportunity to develop knowledge and research skills in cold region geotechnics, frost, frost heave, thawing, permafrost, and snow mechanics, advanced soil mechanics, mechanical properties of sulphide soil, organic soil, tailings sand, as well as road and railway geotechnics.

Subject description
Soil Mechanics comprises soil material behaviour and foundation engineering, with application to civil engineering, energy and mining.

Project description
The knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of tailings is the background of all safety and risk analysis related to tailing dams independent of their construction methods. It is also crucial for further judgements and estimation of tailing behaviour for example in terms of liquefaction, which can lead to unreasonable design procedures. The mechanical behaviour of tailings has been studied widely at LTU for various tailings of different ages and locations inside different tailing storage facilities (TSFs). These studies focused on the investigation of tailings deposited in a traditional matter and did seldom, probably with the exception of beaches, take into account effects of separation and sedimentation in a systematic manner. Thus, inhomogeneities in a TSF is rarely considered and only areas close to the dams were regarded important to investigate dam safety.

The objective of the research is to evaluate variations of tailing composition in terms of segregation and densities reached due to change of deposition methods, investigate the mechanical behaviour of deposits placed with varied deposition methods, and assess risk of liquefaction based on the material behaviour.

Duties
A doctoral position involves both theoretical and practical work, such as fieldwork. As a PhD student you will be trained in scientific research and communication through the publication of scientific articles in journals and presentations at national and international conferences. You are expected to complete the mandatory doctoral courses and may also take optional doctoral courses. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research. As a researcher, you act as a neutral party in various contexts, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to lead challenging development projects.

As a PhD student, you may also have the opportunity to explore the role of a teacher. This may include supervising students and assisting in educational laboratory activities as well as teaching lectures related to the research subject, both now and in the future.

This is a full-time doctoral position directly linked to the described project. Luleå University of Technology offers strong support through a qualified supervisory team and a structured doctoral education program leading to a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering. Active participation in the international research community is highly encouraged.

Qualifications
The basic eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are as follows: Applicants must have 1) a second-cycle (Master’s) degree, 2) completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, or 3) equivalent qualifications acquired either in Sweden or abroad.

We are looking for a motivated individual capable of conducting research both independently and collaboratively within our research group. Strong teamwork skills and a background in geotechnical engineering, foundation engineering, or a related field are essential. Applicants with practical experience and/or prior scientific publications will be given consideration.

For further information about a specific subject see: General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. The position is placed in Luleå, with a start date to be agreed upon.

For further information about the position, please contact: Jan Laue, Professor and Head of Subject (+46) 920-49 1288, jan.laue@ltu.se 

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46) 920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

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: July 17, 2025
Reference number: 2235-2025

Gör en ansökan