Researcher in chemical engineering

Researcher in chemical engineering by using process analytical technology (PAT) for in-situ characterization of the absorption solvent.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

Job description

Post-combustion carbon capture is preferably done by absorption using a liquid solvent. A critical aspect when operating a carbon-capture plant is the monitoring and control of the absorption solvent. Important variables that characterize the absorption solvent are the CO2 loading, solvent concentration, and solvent health. These variables are typically accessed by taking samples and analysing them off-line using appropriate analytical methods. This not only is labour and resource intensive but also slow, making control of the absorption unit difficult.

The project aims at overcoming this limitation by using process analytical technology (PAT) for in-situ characterization of the absorption solvent. Different sensor probes will be evaluated, and methods are developed for combining the signals from the different sensors to characterize the state of the absorption solvent. The work includes lab scale experiments for assessing the different sensor probes and for collecting relevant data; theoretical work for correlating the sensor signals to the solvent properties; and field trials at the pilot plant facility of our industrial partner for assessing the robustness of the developed methods.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm , in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree
• Proven record of conducting lab scale experiments and modelling/simulation of chemical processes

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in designing and conducting lab scale experiments.
• Experience in mathematical modelling, preferably applied to carbon capture processes or chemical separation processes in general.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and data correlation.
• Knowlegde in analytical chemistry.
• Knowledge in flowsheet calculations using common software packages.
• High level of independence in conducting research and collaborating with industrial partners.

• Research expertise and teaching ability
• The ability to work towards research results being utilised in practice.
• The ability to inform about research and development work
• Experience of developing and leading activities and staff.
• Knowledge of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality 

Personal characteristics

As a person you show a high level of autonomy, the ability of analytical and numerical problem-solving, and a structured work pattern. You have great collaborative abilities and an independence.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH’s webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH’s recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application.

The application must include:

• Cover letter, stating your motivation to conduct research in the mentioned area and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.
• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Contact information for two reference persons. We reserve the right to contact references only for selected candidates.

Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). 

About the employment

The employment is valid for a limited time according to the agreement – for up to 15 months, with access according to agreement.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence

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