Postdoc In Data Science For Urban Mining Of Building Components

Do you want to develop and apply novel data science methods to achieve a breakthrough in mapping building components to facilitate reuse and recycling and support the transition to a circular economy? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the intersection of data, environmental and urban science. Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About us

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles the defining challenges of our time—from resource scarcity and climate change to digitalisation and urban inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering and related disciplines to build a better world.

The Sustainable Built Environments Research Area develops the methods, tools, and strategies necessary to transition the built environment toward sustainability. Our work spans from material science to urban planning, bridging the gap between fundamental sustainability science and applied research in collaboration with industry, planners, and citizens.

About the research project

The project is funded through a prestigious Future Research Leader grant from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF). You will join a growing team that currently includes two PhD students. As a postdoc, you will support ongoing research while being encouraged to carve out your own distinct research line within the project’s framework.

The overarching aim is to develop a digital inventory of building components and materials in the existing urban stock that will facilitate architects and project developers in reusing them in new projects. Taking the Chalmers campus as a starting point, we are developing scalable, AI-powered methods, such as computer vision for street-view imagery and automated floor-plan recognition, to fill data gaps and harmonise information from disparate sources.

Learn more and watch our project video here: https://sb.chalmers.se/digital-material-inventories-for-sustainable-urban-mining/

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in a field relevant to the project (e.g., Data Science, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or Urban Studies). Note: This degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proven experience in handling, structuring, and analysing large datasets
• The capacity to independently lead research tasks
• A collaborative mindset and a willingness to support grant writing and PhD supervision

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Advanced coding skills (Python, R, etc.)
• Expertise in GIS and data visualisation.
• Experience applying Machine Learning, particularly Computer Vision algorithms.
• Experience using urban building stock modelling and urban digital twins

What you will do:

• Design & Develop: Create data structures for detailed, spatialised construction component and material inventories.
• Automate: Develop methods to automate the collection and harmonisation of data (type, age, condition) using images, building plans, and synthetic data.
• Validate: Conduct case studies to test and refine developed methods in real-world urban contexts.
• Publish & Present: Share findings in high-impact scientific journals and at international conferences.
• Mentor: Contribute to the supervision of Master’s and PhD students.
• Educate: Engage in teaching at the undergraduate or Master’s level.
• Grow: Support the acquisition of future research funding and build your professional network.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.

Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidised day care, free schools, healthcare, etc. at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and 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

A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.

Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter (max. 2 pages)

A brief introduction about yourself.

A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.

An outline of your future goals and research focus.

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. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 20 April, 2026.

For questions, please contact:

Alexander Hollberg (hollberg@chalmers.se)

Maud Lanau (maud.lanau@chalmers.se)

*** 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.