Postdoc in Extending the use of marginal aggregates in road materials

Job description

The Division of Highway and Railway Engineering is seeking a motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher for a project focused on developing mechanical modelling and performance prediction tools to enable the wider implementation of marginal aggregates in unbound granular materials (UGMs) for road applications. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).

The project aims to create a mechanics-based decision-support framework that can quantify the influence of aggregate mechanical characteristics and UGM material parameters on field performance. It builds on extensive previous research on discrete element method (DEM)-based computational tools for evaluating the effects of various material parameters on UGM response under monotonic and cyclic loading.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead work on extending DEM modelling to new material classes, including blends of conventional and marginal aggregates, scaling up the model for long-term performance prediction, and validating the model through laboratory experiments.

The position is research-focused, with opportunities to strengthen independence and build qualifications for future academic or industry careers. Teaching at various academic levels may also be included. The work will take place in a multidisciplinary environment combining expertise in pavement engineering, mechanics of pavement materials and structures, and machine learning. The role offers opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and practical decision-support tools for the road engineering community.

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.
• PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Prooven skills in computational and experimental mechanics of stone-based construction materials. 

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Knowledge of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and its application to road materials.
• Experience in developing and validating particle contact models and fracture laws for DEM simulations.
• Strong background in pavement engineering and pavement deterioration modelling.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Good communicative skills in English, both spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• Teaching experience is an advantage.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with a focus on gender equality. 

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

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To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

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

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.