Scientist - Tribology Modeling (NL-SE-DE)

Do you thrive working with a combination of technology development and collaborating with people with different competencies? Are you excited about research and innovation? Do you have vision to re-imagine rotation for a better tomorrow? Then you could be our next...  

                                                                                  Scientist – Tribology modeling (leadership role)

Job requirements

• A PhD in computational tribology or related field with significant (contact) modelling experience. Elasto-hydrodynamic (EHL) modelling expertise is of particular interest;
• After your PhD, you gained 10+ years of relevant experience and broad knowledge of theoretical solid and fluid mechanics, and various modeling techniques;
• Outstanding scientific publications at top peer-reviewed journals and prestigious conferences;
• Demonstrated experience in computational tribology with the focus on modeling various surface failure modes under (mixed) lubrication conditions;
• Broad knowledge of advanced numerical methods for solving contact mechanics problems (e.g. familiarity with FFT, Boundary Integral Method, Finite Element Method, … is a prerequisite);
• Experience in modeling elastic-plastic contact between rough surfaces under (mixed) lubrication conditions;
• Knowledge and understanding of multiscale physics of contact problems is of particular interest;
• Practical experience of (in-house) code development using modern programming languages is needed;
• Experience in developing physics informed neural network-based methods for solving partial differential equations enhances your candidacy;
• You are a self-motivated, pro-active team member. You are customer-focused and result-oriented;
• Willing to learn and develop, creative, independent professional with good collaboration skills;
• Very good stakeholder management and leadership skills;
• You are fluent in English and have great communication skills (verbal and written).

Key responsibilities

In this leadership role, you will initiate tribological model development to support SKF’s Technology Strategy. You will be part of the Tribology & Life team and collaborate in multiple R&D projects. Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Develop and validate tribological models that describe surface failure modes, taking into account the impact of contact conditions, materials, topography and lubrication;
• Develop tribology models aimed at predictive and prognostics tools;
• Contribute to the development of next-generation bearing life models;.
• Act as a bridge between Tribology and other competence areas (steels, coatings, lubrication, …);
• Actively transfer knowledge towards less senior colleagues;
• Initiate and coordinate Research and Technology Development Projects;
• Publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and attend conferences.

Our objective shines brightly: SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued success. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential. Come as you are – just be yourself. #weareSKF

Together, we re-imagine rotation for better tomorrow.

Additional information 

This position will be located in Houten (NL), Gothenburg (SE) or Schweinfurt (DE), on a local contract. Preferred location is in Houten. You will report to the team leader Tribology and Life.

How to apply 

If you are interested and meet the above requirements, please submit your application with resume in English no later than 31 March 2025. Only candidates who applied through SKF website or LinkedIn will be considered.