PhD student position: Machine-learning enhanced modeling of complex cracks

Join our fully funded 5-year PhD project "Machine-learning enhanced modeling of complex crack networks in anisotropic rail and wheel materials.” This exciting opportunity brings together computational and experimental material mechanics with state-of-the-art machine learning and finite element methods. Be part of our supportive environment at the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics where we value collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

About us The PhD student position is located at the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics (Department of Industrial and Materials Science). The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at the Division of Engineering Materials. We foster an inclusive, friendly, and supportive working environment to which you are welcome to contribute.

Your project will be part of the activities in the competence center CHARMEC - CHAlmers Railway MEChanics. CHARMEC is the Swedish National Centre of Excellence in Railway Mechanics, established in 1995. CHARMEC is supported by Chalmers University of Technology, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and an industrial interest group consisting of nine partners, to whom you will present the research results.

The Challenge The steel-on-steel contact between railway wheels and rails results in extremely low rolling resistance, but the high contact stresses lead to large plastic deformations and complex crack networks. Currently, it is not possible to simulate these complex crack networks in rails and wheels. In this project, we aim to solve this challenge by using machine learning-enhanced modeling techniques, combined with state-of-the-art computational mechanics methods. This will make it possible to evaluate the influence of these complex crack networks on the rolling contact loading and ultimately the risk of rail and wheel failure.

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD-positions are fully funded from start
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Your role and responsibilities

• Pursue your own doctoral studies related to the project.
• Develop and implement material models, finite element codes, and calibration procedures.
• Disseminate research both via journal publications, and via presentations at international conferences and for industrial partners.
• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Solid and Structural Mechanics.

Teaching undergraduate courses, or other duties at the department, up to 20 % of the working hours.

Who we are looking for

Mandatory Requirements:

• MSc. degree in Applied Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Mathematics/Physics, or similar. (We also welcome applications from candidates who will graduate soon).
• Experience in computer programming.
• Knowledge in solid mechanics and FEM (including programming thereof).
• Good communicative skills in English (oral and written).

A Swedish security clearance may be required.

Meritorious Qualifications:

• Courses and projects in material science.
• Courses and projects in machine learning.
• Experience from research projects.

Application procedure The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

• CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name)
• Personal letter
• Two references that we can contact
• Bachelors and, if available, masters thesis together with the transcripts.
• Documents confirming your English proficiency: e.g. TOEFL/IELTS test results, a course/project report written in English (if your bachelors/masters thesis is not in English).

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: February 28th, 2025

For questions, please contact: Knut Andreas Meyer (knut.andreas.meyer@chalmers.se, +46(0)317721495)

We look forward to your application!

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.