Postdoc in Finite Element Modelling and Testing of Wooden Veneer Structures

Postdoc in Finite Element Modelling and Testing of Wooden Veneer Structures

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research in the bio-based structural materials field? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the Division of Structural Engineering, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, focused on innovative research in circular wind power infrastructures.

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles contemporary and emerging challenges for the built and natural environment, ranging from resource utilisation, pollution and climate change to digitalisation and inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering and related disciplines to build a better world.

The ambition of the Division of Structural Engineering is to provide world-class basic and research education, and internationally leading research. Our work addresses critical questions on extending the service life of existing structures and developing new materials and methods for more robust and sustainable concrete structures, steel and composite structures, and timber and biobased structures.

This interdisciplinary project aims to address the wind industry's "blades-to-landfill" challenge by developing sustainable, high-performance wind turbine blades made from wood veneers. Specifically, this project aims to develop a manufacturing process to create complex, aerodynamically precise geometries suitable for wind turbine blades using biobased materials. Additionally, the role involves utilising numerical simulations to investigate the structural and aerodynamic performance of the newly developed wind turbine blade under operational loads.

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Wood Technology, Structural Mechanics / Engineering, or an equivalent degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Demonstrated experience in advance numerical modeling of structures/materials (e.g., Finite Element Analysis) and/or experimental structural testing.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the Final date to receive applications
• Experience in wood mechanics, advanced material forming processes, or structural dynamics.

What you will do:

• Lead or assist in the hands-on fabrication and assembly of the bio-based wind turbine blade prototypes for structural testing.
• Drive the numerical modeling of wood forming processes and perform structural validation of veneer blade prototypes.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate material mechanics with wind turbine aerodynamic performance metrics.
• Supervise master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent.
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master's level.

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.

Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.

Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

A brief introduction about yourself.

A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.

An outline of your future goals and research focus.

We welcome your application no later than 16 August 2026.

For questions, please contact:
Dr Mahbube Subhani Associate Professor in Timber Engineering Email: mahbube