Doctoral student in redefining industrial defect acceptance criteria for composites Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology is offering a fully funded doctoral student position in redefining industrial defect acceptance criteria for composites. The project sits within the Division of Computational Mechanics and Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and is part of LEGEND, a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network focused on understanding the effects of defects in composite structures.

The research is centered on fibre-reinforced composite aerospace structures and aims to improve how defects are assessed so that industry can move beyond overly conservative repair-or-discard decisions. The doctoral candidate will develop an advanced global-local modelling approach that links individual and interacting defects to large-scale structural performance. The work combines high-fidelity simulations with experimental testing of lab-scale components to generate new data, validate predictive models, and establish improved defect acceptance criteria. The expected outcome is an industry-ready methodology for safer and more cost-efficient decision-making in composite components.

The position is embedded in an international network of researchers and industries through LEGEND, which will recruit 14 doctoral candidates. The project also includes collaborations and secondments totaling 8 months during the first three years, with stays at the University of Kore (2 months) and Leonardo S.p.A. (6 months) in Italy. In addition, the student will participate in General Assembly meetings, doctoral training events across Europe, and advanced courses within the Graduate School of Solid and Structural Mechanics.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Computational Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field. Required background includes documented experience with the finite element method and fibre-reinforced polymer mechanics, strong programming and numerical-methods skills, and excellent English communication skills. Experience in computational homogenisation or micro/mesoscale modelling is considered a merit. MSCA DN eligibility rules apply, including mobility restrictions and the requirement that candidates do not already hold a doctoral degree.

The position is fully funded from the start and offered as a fixed-term appointment of four years, extendable to four and a half years if teaching up to 10% of working time. Funding follows MSCA regulations and includes a monthly living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance where applicable. Chalmers also guarantees a minimum starting salary of 35,725 SEK. The successful candidate will work in Gothenburg, Sweden, in a dynamic research environment with employee benefits and a strong focus on equality, inclusion, and international collaboration.

The application must be submitted in English through Chalmers’ online application system no later than 31 August 2026. Required documents include a CV, personal letter, bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis, degree certificates, and transcripts. Incomplete applications or applications sent by email will not be considered.