Postdoc in Extending the use of marginal aggregates in road materials Full-time

Postdoc in Extending the Use of Marginal Aggregates in Road Materials

The Division of Highway and Railway Engineering is seeking a motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher for a project focused on developing mechanical modelling and performance prediction tools to enable the wider implementation of marginal aggregates in unbound granular materials (UGMs) for road applications. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).

The project aims to create a mechanics-based decision-support framework that can quantify the influence of aggregate mechanical characteristics and UGM material parameters on field performance. It builds on extensive previous research on discrete element method (DEM)-based computational tools for evaluating the effects of various material parameters on UGM response under monotonic and cyclic loading.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead work on extending DEM modelling to new material classes, including blends of conventional and marginal aggregates, scaling up the model for long-term performance prediction, and validating the model through laboratory experiments.

The position is research-focused, with opportunities to strengthen independence and build qualifications for future academic or industry careers. Teaching at various academic levels may also be included. The work will take place in a multidisciplinary environment combining expertise in pavement engineering, mechanics of pavement materials and structures, and machine learning. The role offers opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and practical decision-support tools for the road engineering community.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Prooven skills in computational and experimental mechanics of stone-based construction materials.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Knowledge of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and its application to road materials.
• Experience in developing and validating particle contact models and fracture laws for DEM simulations.
• Strong background in pavement engineering and pavement deterioration modelling.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Good communicative skills in English, both spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• Teaching experience is an advantage.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with a focus on gender equality.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.