Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We are currently 1,840 employees and have 17,670 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. The Division of Machine Elements (ME) at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics is a research group that enthusiastically works for a more sustainable world with reduced climate and environmental impact. We work to develop products and processes that are energy efficient, preferably fossil-free and renewable. We are a large and growing group with about thirty PhD students and ten supervisors. In our doctoral program (PhD@ME), we strive for the doctoral student to develop into an expert in the subject but also develop as a person and become a skilled researcher. A professional who, after obtaining a PhD, can initiate and lead research projects in academia or in industry and other parts of society. Being part of the research team means working in an international and creative environment with good resources and an extensive international network of contacts. The activities at ME mainly cover many aspects of tribology but also other issues related to machine design, machine components and maintenance technology. A growing area is product development for sustainability, that is, how future products should combine high demands on sustainability with the traditional requirements for high performance and good cost-effectiveness. The research is both basic and applied in nature and often takes place in close collaboration with Swedish and international industry. We are looking for a PhD student who will work on developing an understanding of how to maximize energy efficiency and material utilization for industrial electric motors. The project is carried out together with industries from all phases of the circular economy. Collaboration will also take place with a PhD student in business development. Subject description Machine Elements covers the analysis and optimization of machine components and component systems based on performance, lifetime, energy efficiency, reliability and durability. Special emphasis is placed on issues in the field of tribology. Project description In addition to LTU, ABB, Boliden, SCA and Stena Recycling are included in the project consortium. The project is also part of LTU's strategic initiative in circular economy - Creaternity, www.ltu.se/Creaternity. The doctoral student will participate in Creaternity's graduate school and thus gain access to its courses and networks. The project is about the circular economy of industrial electric motors. As much as 45% of the world's electrical energy use comes from the 300 million electric motors in industry. Continued electrification will double this number by 2040. 80% of today's electric motors have a low energy class, and a shift to a higher class would reduce energy use by 10%. With legislation and rising energy costs, motors will therefore be replaced, in parallel with electrification, allowing new production to more than double. Recycling electric motor materials for new production is complex and expensive. Therefore, true circularity is required via optimized materials adapted for recycling, new motor design, and utilization of existing machines as spare parts. We will investigate how material selection for electric machines can be optimized, how engine design should be done for optimized operation, how service and recycling can be optimized, how spare engine stocks can be coordinated to reduce material consumption and investigate how such a deal becomes economically as well as climate and environmentally sustainable. Work tasks The tasks are varied; you work independently to plan and conduct studies, write scientific articles and complete your doctoral thesis. In between, you will take courses and participate in seminars and conferences in Sweden and internationally. Along the way, you will have at least three supervisors to support you in your work. You will also have the support of experts from industry. The position includes a fixed-term, full-time position for 4-5 years (depending on the degree of departmental service). The departmental service may include administrative tasks, other research assignments and teaching up to 20%. Qualifications To be eligible for the post, you must have a degree in civil engineering, a master's degree or a similar technical degree. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are an additional requirement. For selection to the research project in machine elements, the following selection criteria apply: - Knowledge relevant to the project in question - Personal qualities relevant to research - Quality of thesis work Further information For further information, you are welcome to contact the supervisory group consisting of subject representatives and Professor Roland Larsson, 0920-491325, roland.larsson@ltu.se, Professor Pär Marklund, 0920-492415, par.marklund@ltu.se, Adjunct Professor Victoria Van Camp, 076-1171207, victoria.van.camp@ltu.se. Trade union representatives, SACO-S Christer Gardelli, 0920-491809 christer.gardelli@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-491792 lars.frisk@ltu.se. Application form We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and degree certificate. Please attach your thesis or other publication if you have one. Please mark your application with the reference number below. The application and degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English. Reference number 3099-2024 Deadline for applications October 13, 2024