PhD Student in Hydrodynamic and Structural Analysis of Hydrofoil Craft
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD student with expertise in computational hydrodynamics and structural analysis, and a genuine interest in conducting research on hydrofoil craft to improve the safety of these vessels.
About us
The Division of Marine Technology, part of the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology, conducts research and education in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.The division comprises senior researchers, post-docs, and PhD students who foster an open and collaborative environment.Core research areas include ship design, marine structures, hydrodynamics, safety, and maritime operations. We combine fundamental and applied research, including simulation methods, tools and metocean data, to improve ship safety and energy efficiency, in close collaboration with industry.
The division is responsible for educating Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers within the international master's program Mobility Engineering at Chalmers.
About the research project
Hydrofoil technology significantly reduces resistance in high-speed vessels, positioning them as a sustainable solution for fast sea transportation. It forms a key technology in electrification of waterborne transportation. Despite growing interest in electric hydrofoils, safety aspects, particularly hydrodynamic and structural design questions , as well as the performance of active flight control systems remain underexplored.Addressing these gaps is essential for the success of this technology. This research project aims to support the development of safer, more efficient foiling vessels and to accelerate the transition towards fossil-free marine transportation.
Who we are looking for
We seek candidates with the following qualifications:
- To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Applied Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. Equivalent requirements apply to individuals with an education earned outside of Sweden, for example a 4-year bachelor's degree is accepted.
- Strong knowledge of hydrodynamics, CFD, turbulence modelling, and structural mechanics.
- Understanding of the numerical methods behind CFD, turbulence models.
- Experience in visualizing and analyzing simulation data and interpreting results.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
The following experience will strengthen your application:
- Experience with computational ship hydrodynamics
- Experience with STAR-CCM+ and Abaqus
- Knowledge of Control Algorithms (e.g. PID controller)
- Knowledge of Reduced Ordered Models
- Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Shipping and Marine Technology | Chalmers
- Conduct high-quality research and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborate with industrial partners to ensure research relevance and applicability
- The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding up to 20 per cent of working hours
- The PhD position is fully funded
- As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
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.
Discover moreFind more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.
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: (Please name the document: CV, Family name)
- Personal letter
- Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.
Application deadline: July 13, 2025
For questions about the research project, please contact: Arash Eslamdoost, Associate Professor in Applied Hydrodynamics
arash.eslamdoost@chalmers.se031-772 3684
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.