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 businesses and societies of the future. The Division of Solid Mechanics is looking for a civil engineer or equivalent who is interested in working in a stimulating and growing research environment with modern technology. You should be able to work in a team as well as on your own and be interested in doing numerical simulations and experiments. The research in Solid Mechanics is mainly focused on the areas of material modeling, nonlinear dynamics and fracture mechanics. Applications come from industrial product development, including modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes as well as analysis of product performance. Subject description Solid mechanics includes the development of analytical, experimental and numerical methods in engineering mechanics. Important research areas are modeling and simulation with respect to prediction of manufacturing processes and product performance, with particular focus on the development of models for both solid and granular materials behavior and their interaction. Project description Rock drilling produces large amounts of cuttings that must be removed for the process to work efficiently. Lack of flushing leads to clogging of the borehole, increased tool wear and higher energy and flushing media consumption. In this PhD project, numerical models for formation and transport of cuttings in rock drilling are developed and validated. A bonded particle model (BPM) is used to model rock fragmentation, while computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to describe the flushing flow. These models are coupled to simulate the flushing in the borehole. The models are calibrated and validated by experiments at high strain rates and by laboratory and full-scale drilling tests. The project thus includes both theoretical and experimental work. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. The PhD student is trained in scientific work in the form of publication of scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. A doctoral student also takes 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, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. Qualifications Applicants should have a Master's or Master of Science degree in Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or other related education with a computational focus. Good knowledge of English in speech and writing is required, and knowledge of Swedish is meritorious as teaching in Swedish occurs. Experience in numerical modeling, programming and/or experimental work in mechanics or fluid mechanics is an advantage. Communication skills, initiative, an open mind, good teamwork are important qualities as well as theoretical and practical knowledge. For further information on specific PhD programs see curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Most of the staff at the Division of Solid Mechanics are currently male, so we welcome female applicants. Provided that the qualifications are otherwise equal, preference will be given to the underrepresented gender. Information about the position Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment: Luleå. Access according to agreement but preferably as soon as possible. For further information, please contact Associate Professor Simon Larsson 0920-493814, simon.larsson@ltu.se. Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chronéer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se Application form 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: December 31, 2025 Reference number: 6127-2025