If you enjoy turning complex dynamic systems into clear models and want your research to actually change how trucks can be developed into more sustainable actors in the transport system, this postdoc might be for you. We are looking for a curious and motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore what consequences electrification and hybridization of powertrains in trucks will have on the whole freight system. You will work in an academic environment that combines scientific excellence with a strong focus on sustainability and real-world impact through tight industrial collaboration.
About us
At the Department of Mechanichal Engineering, we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world. We make impact.
At the Division of Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems, our research in vehicle analysis and robotics supports the development of transport systems that integrate safety, energy efficiency, artificial intelligence, and automation across the road, rail, aviation, and maritime sectors. We also work on natural language processing, autonomous robots, and applications in health, sports, and environment monitoring. Through our research we aim to develop innovative solutions to challenges of societal relevance.
About the research project
The pace of the transition to a fossil-free transport sector will depend on many factors, such as the vehicle and infrastructure design, how it influences the haulage companies' economy, and how the haulage company is affected by policies and legislation. Understanding and quantifying these connections and interactions will help policymakers and vehicle manufacturers make well-informed decisions toward a fossil-free transport system. This project will take a vehicle-focused approach to the study of electrification of the transport system. The aim is to develop mathematically sound tools capable of connecting vehicle characteristics to a national CO2 emission impact and to quantify these using statistical relations.
Who you are
You are a researcher who likes to dig into complex questions but also enjoys explaining them in a clear and accessible way. You are comfortable working both independently and in a team. You see teaching as an opportunity to grow, not just a task on your to-do list.
The following requirements are mandatory:
- You hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field (applied mathematics, electrical engineering, transport engineering, industrial engineering, applied physics, or similar). This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
- A solid background in dynamic systems, optimal control and mathemathical statistics is strongly desired
- You have documented potential in research and education, shown through publications, projects, or teaching activities
- You are somewhat accustomed to teaching and are willing to take part in courses and supervision at the department
- You have strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- You work in a structured, solution-oriented way and enjoy collaborating in diverse, interdisciplinary teams
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 application deadline
What you will do
In this role, you will focus on modeling and analyzing large-scale effects of electrification of freight transport, from individual powertrains to system-level effects. You will explore questions around infrastructure needs, energy demand, grid impacts, logistics, and policy, and turn them into robust, publishable results and useful insights for society. Along the way, you will contribute to both research and education.
- Using a combination of statistical models and optimal control to describe the settings and environment that trucks are operating in, and scale these models to include transport systems on a regional or national level
- Analyze system-level impacts on electricity demand, infrastructure, logistics, emissions, and costs
- Publish high-quality research in international journals and present at conferences and workshops
- Collaborate with colleagues, industry, and public stakeholders in national and international projects
- Contribute to teaching and supervision in relevant courses and student projects
- Take part in project planning, reporting, and communicating results to both academic and non-academic audiences
What we offer
- 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. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Contract terms
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.
Application procedure
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.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience
Personal letter
- 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
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than 2026-09-30
For questions please contact:
Fredrik Bruzelius
Senior researcher
[email protected]
We look forward to your application!
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
