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 2 billion per year. We are currently 1,500 employees and have 17,900 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 businesses and societies of the future. Luleå University of Technology is one of Europe's leading universities in geotechnics. The university offers an opportunity to develop knowledge and research skills in cold site geotechnics (frost, frost heave, frost heave, permafrost and snow mechanics), advanced soil mechanics (mechanical properties of sulphide soils, organic soils and tailings) and road and stream geotechnics. Subject description Geotechnical engineering includes soil mechanics, soil materials and foundation engineering, with applications in civil engineering, infrastructure construction, energy and mineral extraction. Project description Today, major projects are being carried out in railway construction in northern Sweden (new establishment of mines, Norrbotniabanan, wind farms), while existing infrastructure needs to be maintained. This gives the subject of geotechnics great opportunities to take part in the development. When building road and railroad embankments on loose soils, soil reinforcement is often necessary to reduce settlement and improve stability. The classical stone column method is an internationally common foundation method. The stone pillar method uses no binder, only crushed material, and therefore has a lower carbon footprint than the conventional use of cement, lime and steel piles and columns. The method has not been considered suitable for Scandinavian conditions with loose, sensitive fine soils due to the negative effects of vibration compaction. However, a new technique for static compaction of stone columns is considered promising for Scandinavian conditions. This new technique is based on the classic stone column method, where a coarse pipe filled with crushed material is drilled into the subsoil to the desired depth. With the new technology, the pipe is pulled up a bit and then pushed down with several tons of pressure to gradually and statically compact the stone column. The aim of the project is to study stone columns in loose soils with static compaction and to emphasize critical aspects for dimensioning and column installation, in order to validate feasibility. The Swedish Transport Administration established a test bed of statically compacted stone columns outside Robertsfors, Västerbotten, in autumn 2024. Measurements, sampling and modeling of the test bed will be performed continuously to assess the installation effects of the statically compacted stone columns and the long-term behavior of this type of construction, with special regard to stability and settlement development. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work, such as field work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work and communication in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You are expected to complete the compulsory doctoral courses and take optional doctoral courses. Most of your working time is devoted to your own research studies. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. As a PhD student, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. The role may include supervising students and teaching courses under the research subject today and in the future, as well as helping with the new Civil Engineering program that replaces Civil Engineering. Qualifications The basic eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are as follows: applicants must have 1) an advanced degree, 2) completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level, or 3) equivalent qualifications acquired either nationally or internationally. This is a full-time PhD position directly linked to the described project. Luleå University of Technology offers dedicated support through a qualified supervisory team and a structured PhD training program leading to a PhD in Geotechnics. Active participation in the international research community is strongly encouraged. For further information on specific doctoral training see; curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information about the position Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Location Luleå with start according to agreement. For further information, you are welcome to contact: Jan Laue, Professor and Head of Department, 0920-49 1288 jan.laue@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792, lars.frisk@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: March 3, 2025 Reference number: 120-2025