Postdoc in simulation model development for climate-neutral waterborne transport on coastal and inland waterways

We are looking for a postdoc to join our team at the Division of Marine Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research in climate-neutral waterborne transportation within a collaborative and dynamic environment. About us At the Department of Mechanical Engineering, we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world. We make impact. The Division of Marine Technology develops knowledge and solutions for the sustainable maritime systems of the future and a fossil-free society. Through interdisciplinary research, we advance energy-efficient and safe marine technologies with reduced environmental impact, covering ships, underwater vehicles, offshore structures, and renewable ocean energy. About the research project  The rapid growth of freight transport challenges both infrastructure and the environment. Electrified waterborne transport offers a highly energy-efficient and climate-neutral alternative to road freight, particularly for coastal and inland waterways. This project focuses on advancing electromobility in shipping by integrating high-fidelity vessel operation simulations with energy system analysis to optimize performance, energy use, and infrastructure deployment. Building on the VPF-IWV voyage planning framework and the ChaSE platform developed in previous projects at the Division of Marine Technology, the project will adapt electric propulsion and energy system modules for inland and coastal operations, including shallow, confined waterways and Swedish winter conditions. Route-specific simulations will quantify energy demand, assess battery performance, and evaluate operational reliability under environmental disturbances such as currents, waves, and ice. The project will also perform life-cycle techno-environmental-economic assessment of alternative vessel concepts, comparing high-capacity ships and small-vessel platooning, while optimizing charging infrastructure location, power allocation, and utilization. By combining route-specific operational data, renewable energy integration, and electromobility assessment, the project will support the Swedish and the European shift from road to waterborne transport. The results will provide actionable guidance for industry adoption, policy development, and the deployment of resilient, low-emission, and electrified inland and coastal shipping systems. Who we are looking for Join us in shaping the future of climate‑neutral waterborne transport — we’re seeking a passionate and talented colleague ready to make an impact. The following requirements are mandatory: • A doctoral degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Computer Sciences, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made. • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. • Good programming skills in Python and in Matlab. • Experience in ship energy systems modelling, ship motions analyses and hydrodynamics-related research. • Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile, including specification (e.g. social skills, meaning that you enjoy collaborating with others). You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. The following experience will strengthen your application: • It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline. • Verified experience from leading projects and presenting at large international conferences. What you will do • Develop a performance assessment framework for electrified coastal and inland vessels, using route-specific simulations of energy use under constrained-water operations. • Create models for handling hydraulic data, operational profiles, and environmental conditions, which will be integrated to quantify energy demand across different operating states, including shallow, confined waterways and winter navigation. • Conduct operational analyses to quantify the effects of ship dynamics and environmental disturbances, including confined waterways, waves, and currents, on electric propulsion performance and energy demand. • Assess battery performance and operational reliability under Nordic winter conditions, including low temperatures and varying ice conditions, to support robust winter navigation. • A life-cycle assessment framework will be developed to quantify the environmental and economic performance of alternative vessel concepts, including high-capacity vessels for open fairways and small-vessel platooning in confined waterways, while optimising charging infrastructure deployment and charging power based on route-specific operational profiles. • Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent. • Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level. The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector. Contract terms The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. What we offer • As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. • A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. • Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg. Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in. Application procedure The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV • A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications. • Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience. Personal letter • A brief introduction about yourself. • A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes. • An outline of your future goals and research focus. Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  A background check may be conducted as part of the application process. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. We welcome your application no later than September 1, 2026. For questions, please contact: Jonas W. Ringsberg Full Professor of Marine Structures; Head of Division of Marine Technology E-mail: Jonas.Ringsberg@chalmers.se Phone: +46-(0)31-7721489 Wengang Mao Professor of Ship Mechanics E-mail: Wengang.Mao@chalmers.se Phone: +46-(0)31-7721483 We look forward to your application! *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward. Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!