Project description
Third-cycle subject: Solid Mechanics
Cardiovascular diseases account for more than 30% of deaths, which are often related to mechanical failure at the vascular tissue level. However, surprisingly little is known concerning the multi-scale biomechanical mechanisms that lead to the rupture of the affected biological tissue..
Within a consortium of engineers, scientists and clinicians we plan to explore (structure-mechanical) factors that determine tissue rupture and therefore classify the health-related risk of a diseased vessel segment. In vitro experimental characterization of pathological vascular tissue is combined with the development of computational models towards patient-specific risk assessment. Our efforts relate particularly to diseased carotids and aneurysmatic aortas.
All actions are implemented through a tight interaction of the solid and fluid biomechanics research groups at the Department of Engineering Mechanics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the Department of Vascular Surgery at Karolinska University Hospital and Institute. Our translational research effort builds upon long-lasting and well recognized research results as well as it complements synergistically with other activities in our groups, guaranteeing the efficiency of the action.
Supervision: Christian Gasser (KTH), Lisa Prahl Wittberg (KTH), Alexander Grötsch (KTH) och Joy Roy (KI) are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission
What we offer
Admission requirements
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
- passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
- completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
- acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.
Selection
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:
- independently pursue his or her work
- collaborate with others,
- have a professional approach and
- analyze and work with complex issues.
After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.
Target degree: Doctoral degree
Information regarding admission and employment
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.
Union representatives
Contact information for union representatives.
Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
Contact information for doctoral section.
To apply for the position
Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.
Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
Applications must include the following elements:
- CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
- Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
- Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
- Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
Other information
Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.
Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
About KTH
KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: According to agreement
Salary: Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions: 2
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: PA-2025-1303
Contact:
- Christian Gasser [email protected], +46(8)77907793
Published: 2025-05-08
Last application date: 2025-06-04
