PhD in Experimental Fluid Mechanics: Complex and Living Films in Flow at KTH

Job Description

KTH’s Fluids and Surfaces Group, part of the FLOW centre, is recruiting an experimental PhD student in fluid mechanics for a Swedish Research Council project on how complex films, including biological and living films, interact with fluid flows. Such films range from lung mucus to biofilms on medical devices and ship hulls; under shear they deform, change their material properties and alter friction and mass transfer. You will work with and develop a unique experimental platform, complemented by modelling, data-driven methods and CFD.

At a glance

• Position: Doctoral student (1 post), up to four years full time
• Subject: Engineering Mechanics
• Supervisor: Shervin Bagheri (proposed); the advert lists sherwinb@kth.se
• Reference: PA-2026-2836
• Apply by: 12 October 2026
• Apply: 12 October 2026

About the complex films PhD

• Run experiments on complex films under controlled but complex flow conditions
• Develop the group’s experimental platform further
• Study how films deform and change the overlying flow, friction and species transport
• Complement experiments with continuum modelling of complex materials, data-driven methods and CFD

What to include in your application

KTH asks for certified copies of diplomas, grades and English language certificates (with translations if needed), a CV, a letter of at most two pages on why you want to do research and how it links to your studies and goals, and representative publications or technical reports. Applications must arrive by midnight CET/CEST on the closing date.

How KTH doctoral employment works

Only applicants admitted to doctoral studies can be employed as doctoral students. The first contract is for up to one year and is then renewed for up to two years at a time, adding up to at most four years of full-time study. Up to 20% of working time may go to tasks such as teaching and administration. Applicants need English at the level of Swedish upper-secondary English B/6.

PhD applicants: browse our Find a supervisor directory to see who works in your area.

What KTH is looking for

• A master’s degree, or at least 240 credits including 60 at second-cycle level, or equivalent knowledge
• English equivalent to English B/6

Nice to have

• Experience with experimental fluid mechanics

Pay and location

Doctoral students at KTH are salaried employees, paid monthly under KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement; the advert gives no figure. The post is full time in Stockholm, starting by agreement.

How to apply

Apply through the official KTH page. The closing date is 12 October 2026.

See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.