PhD Student in Energy Engineering with special emphasis on H2 production and storage in The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University
Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.8 billion. Today, we have 1,770 staff and 17,200 students.
In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.
Do you want to do research on how to store H2 safely? Or do you want to research on how to convert sustainable bio-resources to H2 and green
carbon? If your answer is yes, take the opportunity to carry out PhD research in a dynamic, international research environment. The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology seeks one PhD student within Energy Engineering, who will focus on technology development for bio-H2 production and storage.
Subject description
Energy engineering includes the development of technologies and processes for a sustainable energy supply. The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and efficient energy use in industry and society, with close collaboration with companies/industries. Our research has high international standards, and we collaborate with researchers around the world.
Project description
Development of sustainable industry in future relies on H2 from cheap renewable electricity. However, some challenges exist such as electricity availability and price fluctuation. This PhD project aims to solve such supply issues of the electrolysis-H2 by complementing with bio-H2 and using methanol as a storage and transport carrier. More specifically, you will develop an innovative technology for biomass gasification and methanol-to-H2 conversion. The goal is to boost the efficiencies and bring down investment cost for H2 value chain.
You will mainly carry out experimental work to develop e-reactor concepts, i.e. a reactor with direct heating of reactants with induction. In addition, you will analyze the overall performance of e-reactor concepts, and compare with conventional and competing H2 production approaches at the system level.
Your project (E-reactor4H2) will be a part of graduate school at Center for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden (CH2ESS). CH2ESS is a new research and knowledge initiative at LTU, in close collaboration with Swedish industry. For more information about CH2ESS, please visit our website: https://www.ltu.se/centres/CH2ESS?l=en
Duties
As a PhD student, most of your working time will be devoted to your own research project. You work independently with your research, and communicate your results in scientific journals and participation at national and international conferences. You also study third-cycle courses. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects. You will have two or three supervisors who support you in your work.
You will be a member of the network of young scientists (NYS) at CH2ESS. NYS is a self-organizing network that arranges field trips, workshops, and other exciting activities to increase your future career perspectives.
Qualifications
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. You have a master’s degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, energy engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent. We also welcome applicants with an expected degree during spring of 2022.
Additional requirements
– Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
– Good experimental skills related to chemical reactors.
– Good skills in academic writing.
– Ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as being able to penetrate new research areas on your own.
The following competencies and knowledge are meritorious
– Chemical engineering process and energy modelling skills.
– Fuel, gas, and/or material analysis.
– Thermochemical conversion technologies.
– Catalytic reactors.
See also the general curriculum for education at post-graduate level in Energy Engineering.
Most employees at the subject of Energy Engineering are currently men, therefore we welcome female applicants.
Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. You will be employed at Luleå University of Technology, and be located in Luleå, Sweden.
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Kentaro Umeki, +46 (0)920-49 2484, kentaro.umeki@ltu.se, Professor Andrea Toffolo, +46 (0)920-49 3416, andrea.toffolo@ltu.se, Professor Marcus Öhman, Head of Division, +46 (0)920-49 1977, marcus.ohman@ltu.se
Union representatives:SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se, OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se
In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Application
Your application should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).
Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.
Send in your application via the apply button below. Mark your application with the reference number.
Reference number: 569-2022
Last day of application: 15 April 2022