Postdoc in gears - manufacturing to performance

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in machine elements and production development, with a focus on how manufacturing methods and manufacturing variations affect gear performance. The project is interdisciplinary and is carried out in collaboration across research areas including mechanical design, materials engineering, lightweight design, and production development. You will plan and conduct experimental studies using an FZG test rig, characterize gear geometry and surface properties, and investigate how these affect efficiency, wear

Reference number: PA-2026-2897.

Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in machine elements and production development, with a focus on how manufacturing methods and manufacturing variations affect gear performance. The project is interdisciplinary and is carried out in collaboration across research areas including mechanical design, materials engineering, lightweight design, and production development. You will plan and conduct experimental studies using an FZG test rig, characterize gear geometry and surface properties, and investigate how these affect efficiency, wear, and service life. The project also includes alternative gear materials and manufacturing methods, such as powder metallurgical gears, as well as new lubrication strategies, such as grease lubrication in precision applications. A particular focus is on understanding how variations in geometry and surface properties affect gear function, and how high efficiency can be balanced against long service life. The goal is to establish a stronger scientific link between manufacturing and component performance and to contribute to innovative gear design, energy efficient drivetrains, and production excellence.

The postdoctoral researcher will be affiliated with XPRES – Centre of Excellence in Production Research, a long-term national initiative in production research bringing together XPRES KTH, MDU, RISE, and Swerim. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will become part of this dynamic research environment, with opportunities to work across disciplines and in close collaboration with both academia and industry.

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.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience in experimental testing (surface fatigue and efficiency tests) using an FZG test rig or an equivalent test machine.
• Experience in gear design.
• Experience in measuring gear geometry and surface characterisation of gears.
• You can communicate scientific results orally and in writing in Swedish and English.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Contract details

• Number of positions: 1
• First day of employment: According to agreement
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden
• Contact: Ellen Bergseth (bergseth@kth.se)

Apply via the official KTH vacancy page. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email are typically not considered unless the vacancy states otherwise.

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.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience in experimental testing (surface fatigue and efficiency tests) using an FZG test rig or an equivalent test machine.
• Experience in gear design.
• Experience in measuring gear geometry and surface characterisation of gears.
• You can communicate scientific results orally and in writing in Swedish and English.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.