Postdoc position in Soil Mechanics

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 SEK 2 billion per year. We currently have 1,500 employees and 17,900 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.

The research group soil mechanics has an open Postdoc position on the topic management of excavated soil – valorization of excess soil materials and material logistic.

Soil Mechanics includes soil mechanics, soil materials engineering and foundation engineering Soil Mechanics | Luleå tekniska universitet (ltu.se)The research addresses e.g. dams and dam construction in the short and long term (hydroelectric and mine dams), environmental geoengineering (use of residual products, dredging, handling of dredged sediments, landfill design, sedimentation and erosion), cold climate engineering (freeze and thaw, frost heave, permafrost and snow mechanics), advanced soil mechanics (mechanical properties of sulfide soil, organic soil and tailings, etc.) as well as road and railway geotechnology.

Environmental geotechnics e.g. the management and valorization of excess soil masses to construction materials, is a growing and important issue related to large infrastructure planned in northern Sweden. Material logistics and quality assurance of the valorized fractions are important prerequisites for circular mass handling.

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

Project description
The main focus of the project is to develop rapid and reliable methods based on image analysis for quality control of sorted soil fractions to achieve a resource efficient mass handling. It involves identifying and quantifying the presence of foreign materials such as bricks or plastic and material logistics. The second focus of the project is to assess and improve the logistics of both excavated mass and the valorized fraction, as transport to and from the treatment facility affect both economy and environmental benefits.

Duties
The postdoc position involves both laboratory work and evaluation of results using image analysis together with our industrial partners. One question to investigate is the extent to which AI can be used for the image analysis. For material logistics, it is important that the candidate has an understanding of the complex logistics systems that arise in construction and civil engineering projects. Experience with location modeling is also desirable.

As a Postdoc, you are expected to work independently, publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences.

Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in Civil Engineering or comparable. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.

A specialization in geotechnics with experience in location modeling and work with complex logistics systems is meritorious. Basic skills in image analysis and/or use of AI tools are valuable. It is necessary to be able to write and speak English fluently. Swedish or another Scandinavian language is meritorious.

We expect the applicant to hold a driving license to facilitate field work.

Further information
Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting: January 2025. You are employed at the university and the position includes salary and full social insurance.

For further information about the position, please contact:
Christian Maurice, Associate Professor, (+46) 920-49 1755, Christian.Maurice@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46)920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@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: 7 November 2024
Reference number: 3964-2024

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