Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. 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 an annual turnover of over SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and almost 21,600 students. The subject Fire Engineering at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, is looking for a PhD student who wants to contribute to the development of resilient and fireproof hospital buildings with wood as the main frame material. As a PhD student within the project Campus Total Defense Upper Norrland, you will work within a dynamic network of researchers in different disciplines, with expertise in total defense issues in the Arctic region, especially northern Sweden. You will be part of the graduate school Campus Totalförsvar Övre Norrland. Subject description Fire Engineering includes research on technologies and processes relevant to fires and explosions, as well as related research on risk management and societal safety. Project description The doctoral project focuses on how hospitals and other critical buildings can be constructed and rebuilt using wood as the main building material. The background is that today's construction is highly dependent on cement-based materials, the availability of which can be uncertain in times of crisis or war. Wood, on the other hand, is a domestic and regionally available resource. The project contributes to strengthening total defense by developing knowledge that enables faster construction and restoration of hospitals during crisis and war. The project includes, among other things: - analysis of how current fire and functional requirements for hospitals can be met with wood and hybrid (wood-concrete) frames - studies of the load-bearing capacity and fire behavior of wooden structures, including comparisons with concrete structures - analysis of how wood can be used in the restoration of damaged buildings - identification of technical and regulatory barriers and proposals for developed design methods. The work includes modeling, simulations and collaboration with industry and community stakeholders. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and optional doctoral courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, providing a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. Qualifications We are looking for an analytical and motivated colleague who can conduct research both independently and in collaboration with others in our research group. You should have an MSc or MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Engineering Physics or equivalent. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required, as well as a strong team spirit. Knowledge in fire engineering and/or structural engineering as well as experience in numerical modeling is an advantage. Previous experience in research and/or fire engineering design of buildings is also an advantage. For further information on specific PhD programs, please see the curricula for PhD programs in the Faculty of Engineering Most of the staff at the department are currently male, so we would like to see female applicants. Information about the program Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties can be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment: Luleå. Access August 1, 2026 or by agreement. Travel within and outside the country is possible. This position may be placed in a security class in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) For further information, you are welcome to contact: Senior Lecturer Joakim Sandström, 0920-49 39 14, joakim.sandstrom@ltu.se Professor Michael Försth, 0920-49 12 65, michael.forsth@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037, diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1265, marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: April 30, 2026 Reference number: 2053-2026