Jonas Faleskog

Project Overview: The Department of Engineering Mechanics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Material and Structural Mechanics, with a focus on solid mechanics and additive manufacturing for nuclear reactor applications. The research aims to develop advanced models for predicting the fatigue life of additively manufactured steel in nuclear reactor water environments, addressing corrosion fatigue under cyclic loading in pressurized, high-temperature water. The project integrates material modeling (crystal plasticity, phase-field methods, finite element analysis) with advanced experimental work in simulated nuclear environments, linking microstructure and manufacturing processes to material lifetime predictions. Research Environment: The position is part of a newly established, interdisciplinary research environment funded by the Swedish Research Council, involving KTH, Karlstad University, Lund University, and the Swedish nuclear power industry. The team includes senior professors, junior researchers, and several PhD students, fostering collaboration between solid mechanics and materials science with strong industry ties. The overall goal is to support the long-term operation of nuclear power plants by establishing additive manufacturing as a viable alternative for critical steel components. Supervision: The doctoral student will be supervised by Dr. Mustafa Subasic and Professor Jonas Faleskog (KTH), and Professor Pavel Krakhmalev (Karlstad University), providing a broad academic and industrial perspective. Funding and Employment: The position offers a monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement and is fully funded for up to four years. Employment is full-time and includes employee benefits. The initial contract is for one year, with possible renewals up to a total of four years, and may include up to 20% departmental duties. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a second cycle degree (master's or equivalent) or have completed at least 240 higher education credits (with at least 60 at the second-cycle level). Proficiency in English equivalent to English B/6 is required. Selection is based on academic qualifications, ability to work independently and collaboratively, professional approach, and analytical skills. Personal suitability is highly valued. Security clearance may be required for certain positions. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via KTH's recruitment system by 2026-04-16. Required documents include a CV, application letter (max 2 pages), certified copies of diplomas and grades, proof of language proficiency, and representative publications or technical reports. Translations into English or Swedish are required if originals are in other languages. About KTH: KTH Royal Institute of Technology is a leading international technical university in Stockholm, Sweden, committed to education, research, and innovation for a sustainable society. The university offers a dynamic and creative environment with excellent working conditions, benefits, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity.

The KTH Royal Institute of Technology is offering a postdoctoral position in experimental and computational fracture mechanics in Stockholm, Sweden. The project combines experimental testing of mini-CT specimens with numerical modeling to improve methods for characterizing crack growth resistance in ductile materials. A key scientific theme is the use of sub-sized specimens in structural integrity assessment, including geometry effects and the transferability of laboratory results to real components. The expected outcome is an integrated testing and computational methodology with potential for standardization from a regulatory perspective. The position is embedded in a research environment focused on material and fracture mechanics problems relevant to metals used in the process industry. Parts of the project will be carried out in collaboration with the Swedish nuclear industry, making this a strong opportunity for candidates interested in applied mechanics, structural integrity, and engineering research with industrial relevance. Eligibility requires a doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree by the time the employment decision is made. The ad also highlights a relevant doctoral thesis, international experience, and proficiency in English. Preferred qualifications include a PhD obtained within the last three years, experience in mechanical testing, strong skills in nonlinear computational mechanics, collaborative ability, independence, and awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, especially gender equality. The appointment is a temporary full-time postdoctoral position for up to two years. Applicants must use KTH’s recruitment system and submit a CV, degree documents, translations if needed, and a brief statement of research interests and future goals. The deadline is 2026-08-24.