Postdoc in Fluid-Structure Interaction of Wind-Powered Ship Propulsion

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research in the wind-powered ship propulsion field? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the Division of Marine Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, focused on innovative research in fluid-structure interaction of wind-powered ships. 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. 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 contribute to energy-efficient and safe marine systems with reduced negative environmental impact – from ships and underwater vehicles to offshore structures and renewable ocean energy. About The Research Project Wind-powered propulsion is a key route to reducing emissions from shipping, but the interaction between the flow around a wind propulsion system and the structural response of the system is still insufficiently understood. This project investigates the underlying fluid-structure interaction mechanisms and develops advanced numerical methods for high-fidelity simulation of the coupled problem. The position is hosted by the Division of Marine Technology at Chalmers, with co-supervision from RISE and the Swedish shipping industry, and involves regular contact with the industrial partners. Who We Are Looking For The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a relevant field of fluid or structural dynamics, 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
• Experience in computational fluid dynamics
• Experience in computer programming, in particular Python and Matlab, and in CAD and CAE tools
• Ability to work independently and also to 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
• Experience in scientific computing and high-performance computing
• Experience in coupling algorithms for fluid-structure interaction solvers

What You Will Do

• Independently develop numerical methods and codes for fluid-structure interaction of wind-powered ships
• Carry out and analyse high-fidelity CFD and FEM simulations of the coupled flow and structural response
• Collaborate with senior researchers and industrial partners, including regular meetings and workshops
• Write technical reports and publish in scientific journals and at conferences
• 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 24 October 2026 For Questions, Please Contact Hua-Dong Yao, Professor, Marine Technology, huadong.yao@chalmers.se, +46 73 773 9337 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.