
Postdoc in machine elements
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Industrial Engineering and Management
Job description
We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who wants to contribute to the next generation of energy-efficient and sustainable transport systems through world-class research in tribology and machine elements.
Friction losses in vehicle systems still account for a significant portion of global energy use. In heavy vehicles alone, around 180 billion liters of fuel are consumed annually due to friction, while the transport sector is facing significantly stricter climate requirements. The EU's target of a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions from new heavy vehicles by 2040 places completely new demands on energy efficiency and innovative technical solutions.
In this project, the focus is on an often overlooked but very promising component: grease-lubricated wheel bearing systems. The project aims to develop and implement a systematic and realistic method for evaluating new grease formulations, using a specially developed test rig that will be designed and built specifically for this purpose.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with leading players along the entire value chain, including Traton/Scania, Europe's leading grease manufacturer Axel Christiernsson International and KTH. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to work at the interface between academic research and industrial application, with direct potential to contribute to future sustainable transport solutions.
This position is part of KTH's PROCEED initiative for research activities in Södertälje, which provides a unique opportunity for research collaboration with Traton/Scania and AstraZeneca. To enable close collaboration and collaboration, regular physical presence in Södertälje is included as an important part of the position. The position offers good opportunities to build a strong international network, develop your own research and contribute to the green transition of the industry.
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
- Research expertise
- Documented knowledge and skills in machine design and/or tribology
Preferred qualifications
- A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
- Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality
- Collaborative abilities
- Independence
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.
Trade union representatives
Contact information to trade union representatives.
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
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
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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.
Temporary position
Full time
100%
01.01.2027 or according to agreement
Monthly salary
1
Stockholm
Stockholms län
Sweden
PA-2026-2447
26.Jun.2026
23.Aug.2026