Fully Funded PhD Positions in Data-Driven Product Realisation – Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Position: Doctoral Students in Data-Driven Product Realisation (DRIVE PR)
Department: Mechanical Engineering (ME)
University: Chalmers University of Technology
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Funding: Fully funded/salaried PhD positions (Swedish doctoral employment; advertised salary approx. 35,725 SEK/month)

Position Overview

Chalmers University of Technology is recruiting multiple doctoral students for fully funded PhD positions in Data-Driven Product Realisation within the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME). These are salaried Swedish PhD positions embedded in the DRIVE PR research and innovation initiative.

The roles focus on transforming industrial practices through AI, data analytics, and digital technologies to enable smarter, faster, and more sustainable product development and manufacturing.

Research Context: DRIVE PR Initiative

DRIVE PR – Data-Driven Product Realisation is a major research and innovation initiative at Chalmers University of Technology, developed in close collaboration with leading Swedish and international industry partners.

Key focus areas:

• Data-driven design and optimization of complex engineering systems

• AI and machine learning for product development and manufacturing

• Digital twins and simulation-based engineering

• Sustainable and circular product lifecycles

• Integration of multi-physics modeling with data analytics

The initiative brings together researchers from mechanical engineering, computer science, industrial automation, and materials science to tackle real-world challenges in aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Project Description

Doctoral students in this call will work on data-driven methods and tools to support next-generation product realization processes. Specific projects may include (but are not limited to):

• AI-assisted design optimization for complex engineering systems

• Digital twin development for predictive maintenance and performance monitoring

• Data-driven quality control and defect detection in manufacturing

• Multi-fidelity modeling combining physics-based simulations with machine learning

• Sustainable product lifecycle management using data analytics

The advertised positions are mainly connected to DRIVE PR, but may also be linked to related projects within data-driven product realisation, digitalised manufacturing, and industrial AI.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a doctoral student at Chalmers, you will primarily devote your time to graduate education and research. Other departmental duties (up to 20%, including teaching, administration, and industry collaboration) may also be included.

Specific responsibilities:

• Conduct original research in data-driven product realisation, AI for engineering, or related areas

• Develop novel algorithms, models, or frameworks for industrial applications

• Collaborate closely with industry partners within the DRIVE PR network

• Publish research findings in top-tier international conferences and journals

• Participate in doctoral courses, seminars, and training activities

• Contribute to research proposal writing and project reporting

Eligibility Requirements

General Entry Requirements for Doctoral Studies

To meet the general entry requirements, you must:

• Hold a Master's (second-cycle) degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, computer science, data science, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, OR

• Have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master's level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, OR

• Have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way

Additional Qualifications

You should also have:

• Strong academic performance in previous studies

• Solid background in mechanical engineering, product development, or related fields

• Good programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar)

• Experience with data analytics, machine learning, or AI is highly meritorious

• High-quality MSc thesis (or equivalent) or other independent written work demonstrating research and analytical abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

• Personal characteristics such as creativity, analytical thinking, and a structured approach to problem-solving

Merit Factors

Additional merit is given for:

• Knowledge and experience in AI/ML, data science, or industrial digitalization

• Familiarity with CAD/CAE tools, finite element methods, or multi-physics simulation

• Industrial experience in product development, manufacturing, or related sectors

• Publications in international conferences or journals

• Collaborative ability and experience working in interdisciplinary teams

Funding and Benefits

These are fully funded Swedish doctoral positions with the following benefits:

• Salary: Advertised salary approximately 35,725 SEK per month (gross, before tax) for data-driven product realisation roles

• Employment type: Full-time salaried employment (100%) under Swedish doctoral employment regulations

• Duration: Typically 4–5 years, depending on teaching and other departmental duties

• Social benefits: Comprehensive Swedish employment benefits including pension contributions, paid vacation, parental leave, and health insurance

• Research environment: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, high-performance computing resources, and strong industry collaborations

• International exposure: Opportunities for research visits, conference travel, and collaboration with international partners

Swedish PhD positions are formal employment contracts with excellent working conditions, strong labor protections, and a supportive research culture.

Application Instructions

Your application should include the following documents (check the official Chalmers vacancy page for the exact list and format):

1. Cover letter describing:

   • Your motivation for applying for the position

   • Your research interests and how they align with DRIVE PR

   • The earliest possible starting date

   • A brief explanation of how your background, skills, and experience match the requirements

2. Curriculum vitae (CV) with complete publication list (if applicable)

3. Copies of degrees and transcripts of records, including grades (with translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are in another language)

4. Master's thesis (or a draft, if not yet completed) and/or other self-produced technical or scientific writing that demonstrates your research and analytical abilities

5. Contact information for two references (names, email addresses, and telephone numbers). Letters of recommendation may also be included.

6. Portfolio of relevant work (optional but recommended): code repositories, project reports, or other materials demonstrating your technical skills

Starting date: By agreement (typically autumn 2026 or early 2027)

Placement: Gothenburg, Sweden

Scope of employment: 100% (full-time)

About Chalmers University of Technology

Chalmers University of Technology, founded in 1829, is one of Sweden's leading technical universities and a major center for engineering research and education. Chalmers is particularly renowned for its strong industry collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and commitment to sustainable development.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Chalmers is a hub for cutting-edge research in product development, manufacturing, materials, and industrial digitalization, with close ties to aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries.

Gothenburg is Sweden's second-largest city, known for its vibrant student life, rich cultural scene, coastal location, and strong innovation ecosystem.

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