Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. 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 almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. At the Machine Elements department, we work to minimize friction, wear and energy losses in everything from electric vehicles to heavy industrial processes. Here we combine advanced surface and material analysis with modeling and lab and field tests in close collaboration with industry and other universities, both nationally and internationally. Discover more about our research here: https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/maskinelement Subject description Machine Elements covers the analysis and optimization of machine components and component systems in terms of performance, lifetime, energy efficiency, reliability and durability. Particular emphasis is placed on issues in the field of tribology. Project description You will work in the core team of computational tribology, to take the newly developed fatigue and wear models from the Topolagom 1 project into real railway field tests. This involves testing fine, coarse and hybrid ground rail surfaces on Swedish test lines, and validating the models against high-resolution surface measurements and train traffic data to predict RUL (remaining useful life) and optimal grinding intervals. The aim is that this will lead to fewer production stops, lower maintenance costs and a more sustainable railway. Duties and responsibilities Plan and perform high-resolution surface measurements (GelSight, Ra-meter, profile scanner) before and after grinding. Integrate measured surfaces into calculation models to calculate fatigue and wear. Develop data-driven tools for quality control and reporting to industrial partners. Communicate results in scientific papers, conferences and through JVTC channels. Qualifications For the PhD position in Machine Elements, the applicant is specifically required to have: Experience in numerical modeling: specifically in continuum mechanics, contact mechanics and machine learning. Good knowledge of Swedish and English, both written and oral. Good ability to work systematically and independently in multidisciplinary teams. Swedish driving license. Meritorious for this particular position are: Master's degree from college/university in technical physics. Programming experience in Python. Experience in surface measurement and surface roughness analysis. Statistical data analysis. Personal qualities: Analytical, curious and communicative; you enjoy laboratory work as well as desk-based data analysis. For further information on specific PhD programs see: curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information about the program Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Location: Luleå (travel to test sites may occur). Access: HT2025. For further information, please contact Professor Andreas Almqvist, 0920-49 2407, andreas.almqvist@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 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: July 31, 2025 Reference number: 2780-2025