Postdoc Position in Industrial Engineering

Royal Institute of Technology

School: Industrial Engineering and Management, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Reference Number: PA-2025-4008

Type of Employment: Full-time, Temporary

Full-time Equivalent: 100%

Salary: Monthly salary (per KTH postdoc scale)

First Day of Employment: According to agreement

Application Deadline: 7 January 2026

Job Description

KTH is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to focus on the analysis and modeling of the transformation of socio-technical systems, with a specific emphasis on electrification strategies (e.g., battery-electric, fuel cells, electric roads, battery swaps).

While previous studies have performed techno-economic analyses of individual technologies, this project takes a broader system approach, incorporating:

• Supply and demand for green electricity and other fuels
• Expansion of electricity grids
• Infrastructure development rates
• Technical solution development rates
• Vehicle and component manufacturing ramp-up

The project aims to answer questions such as:

• Which technology fits where?
• What factors most influence scale-up?
• Which policies best guide the transition?

Responsibilities

• Create a simulation model illustrating the transition and competition between electrification technologies.
• Explore different scenarios and interactions between technologies.
• Collaborate actively with a growing research team on modeling and analysis of complex socio-technical systems.
• Jointly develop ideas for research projects and applications.
• Explore new methods for combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent (eligibility must be met before the employment decision).
• Research expertise relevant to socio-technical systems modeling.
• Experience with simulation or modeling methods (e.g., System Dynamics, Agent-Based Modeling).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Awareness of diversity, inclusion, and gender equality issues.

Preferred:

• Doctoral degree obtained within the last three years.
• Knowledge of socio-technical systems transitions.
• Expertise in systems analysis and/or system modeling.
• Experience in the transport or energy sectors (private or public).

Note: Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Employment Information

• Duration: Up to two years.
• This postdoctoral fellowship is a time-limited research-focused appointment intended as a first career step after a PhD.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
2. Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies (translated if necessary).
3. Brief statement (max 2 pages) describing why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how these relate to your previous studies and future goals.

Submission: Applications must be received via KTH’s recruitment system by midnight CET/CEST on 7 January 2026.

Other Information

• Some positions may require a security clearance under the Protective Security Act (2018:585).
• KTH does not accept contact from recruitment agencies.
• The Swedish version of the announcement takes precedence in case of discrepancies.

Contact Information

Contact Person: Anna Pernestål

Email: annapern@kth.se

Phone: +46 8 790 7324

About KTH

KTH is a leading international technical university advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. Employees enjoy a creative, dynamic work environment, attractive benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are core to KTH’s values.

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