Researcher in Joining and Welding at Swerim!

Would you like to work at the intersection of applied research and real industrial production? At the metals research institute Swerim, you will step straight into the lab and solve technical challenges for some of Sweden’s biggest industrial companies, from fossil-free steel to the electric car batteries of the future. Are you looking for a hands-on research role with an extensive network, a strong sense of community and excellent development opportunities? Then we have the role for you!

About the role
The metals research institute Swerim conducts applied research and development in close collaboration with Swedish and international industry, including the automotive, infrastructure, energy and defence sectors. Here, the research community and the factory floor come together to strengthen the competitiveness of industry and drive the transition towards a sustainable, fossil-free future. Swerim currently has around 200 employees in Sweden, spread across two locations, Luleå and Stockholm. Most employees have research degrees or extensive industrial experience, making this a unique opportunity to work with some of the leading experts in the field. You will work on both shorter assignments and longer research projects in close collaboration with industry, other research institutes and universities, nationally and internationally. Swerim invests heavily in its technical labs, which means you will work with the latest testing equipment and have the opportunity to adapt and rebuild pilot plants to suit customers’ needs and conditions.

In this role, you will join the Production Technology business area, working with a joining group of 7 specialising in traditional and modern joining techniques, such as MIG/MAG, laser welding and hybrid joining. The role has a strong engineering and applications focus: you will spend a significant part of your time in the lab carrying out practical trials and tests, alongside data analysis, report writing and direct dialogue with major customers such as Volvo, Scania and Vattenfall.

An important part of the group’s work is also to train the next generation of welding engineers in collaboration with KTH and Svetskommissionen. The right person will have good opportunities to take on greater project management responsibility over time and lead training modules.
🔗 Read more about Swerim and its work here: https://www.swerim.se/om-swerim

You will be offered:
The freedom and technical depth of research, combined with the pace of industry and commercially focused applications.
Direct collaboration with leading partners in the automotive industry, battery manufacturing, energy and heavy infrastructure.
Access to advanced labs and pilot plants where you can see theory tested in practice.
You will be assigned a senior researcher/IWE mentor and introduced to ongoing consortia and lab safety in a supportive, learning environment.
Competitive terms at a stable institute with strong innovative capacity.

Duties
As a researcher in joining and welding, you will join existing industrial projects, initially working closely with senior researchers to quickly learn the business. The work spans the entire process, from ideas and test design to practical work in the lab and final delivery to the customer.
For example, you will:
Plan, set up and carry out practical welding and joining tests in a lab environment.
Analyse test results, evaluate joint properties and compile technical reports.
Take part in discussions, progress meetings and presentations with industry partners.
Write and contribute to research applications for publicly and industrially funded projects.
Gradually take on the role of sub-project manager/project manager for your own assignments and customer deliverables.
Contribute to training activities and course modules in collaboration with KTH and Svetskommissionen.

We are looking for someone who
To succeed and enjoy the role, you are curious, proactive and unpretentious. You enjoy problem-solving and are just as comfortable at the computer carrying out technical analysis as you are in the lab working with physical samples. As the group values community and collaboration, we are looking for a team player who is happy to share knowledge and confident asking questions when something is new.
A Master of Science in Engineering or PhD in materials engineering, production engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.
Demonstrable expertise or several years’ experience in metallic materials and manufacturing technology/joining.
Excellent spoken and written English communication skills, as well as good knowledge of Swedish (or a strong ambition and willingness to learn it quickly), as discussions are held with local industry partners.

It is an advantage if you have:
International Welding Engineer diploma (IWE/EWE).
Practical welding/testing experience from manufacturing industry or a workshop.
Experience managing projects or coordinating technical collaboration projects.
Experience with application processes for public research funding.
An interest in or experience of education, teaching or supervision.

Our recruitment process
Telephone interview with Academic Work
Personality and problem-solving tests
In-depth interview with Academic Work
Interview with Swerim
Reference checks and decision

This recruitment process is managed by Academic Work, and our client requests that all questions about the position be sent to Academic Work. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we will take down the advert once enough candidates have reached the final stage of the recruitment process. Applicants are asked to submit a CV. Please explain clearly in your application why you have chosen to apply. The recruitment process includes two selection tests: a personality test and a cognitive ability test. The tests are tools to help identify the candidate with the greatest potential for the role and to promote equality, diversity and a fair recruitment process.