Doktorand inom Carbon dioxide hydrogenation to chemicals and fuels

This position offers the possibility to achieve specialist knowledge in catalytic processes for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology. The project spans fundamental experimental studies, kinetic model development and an exploration of the application of the technology in existing industrial processes. Most importantly, the development of CCU technology offers the possibility to achieve radical reductions in CO2 emissions from industrial processes, by allowing operation with a closed carbon loop.

Information about the centre and division:
This position would be located at the Chemical Engineering division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering department. The Division of Chemical Engineering includes two units: Chemical Reaction and Process Engineering, and Forest Products and Chemical Engineering. The Division has a wide range of experience of working both experimentally and with modeling. We also have a long tradition of working with both fundamental scientific questions and applied problems together with industry.

The position is within the unit for Chemical Reaction and Process Engineering. In addition, the position is within the Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK), an integrated center with the research and teaching activities at the departments of Applied Physics, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers.
The goal of the centre is to provide an excellent environment for carrying out catalysis research with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in related projects or with industry partners for the development of catalytic technology for sustainable transport, energy and environmental systems.

Information about the project:
There is a growing interest in the use of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) schemes to mitigate CO2 emissions and achieve a sustainable use of carbon in society. Catalytic CO2 hydrogenation is a potential process for the conversion of CO2 to useful products like chemical intermediates or fuels. In this research project, possibilities for improving the efficiency of CO2 hydrogenation to chemical intermediates by the use of innovative catalyst materials will be investigated. In addition the project will include an exploration of the potential for integration of CO2 hydrogenation in existing industrial processes. The position will involve the synthesis, characterization and testing of catalysts in laboratory reactor scale. In addition kinetic models predicting the performance of catalysts, based on their properties, will be developed. The project will be carried out in collaboration with a reference group consisting of industry representatives.

Major responsibilities
The research will involve the use of a combination of different experimental techniques regarding catalyst synthesis, characterization and activity evaluation. Experimental activity measurements will be carried out in laboratory scale. Catalyst characterization techniques may include for example XRD, BET, TEM and XPS. There will also be opportunity to use a mathematical modeling approach to gain further understanding of the selectivity of the hydrogenation process. In summary, the position will involve the planning, design and analysis of an experimental program that can generate the knowledge building required to enable efficient catalytic CO2 hydrogenation in an industrial scale CCU process.

The position will involve reporting current research results in both written and oral form as well as authoring scientific research publications. Also, it will include teaching at the undergraduate level or other duties corresponding up to maximum of 20% of the working time.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Master of Science in primarily Chemical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with Physics or Chemistry. Any previous experience relevant for the described major responsibilities for this position would be considered as strong merits. To be successful you need to be highly motivated, have an analytical and problem solving personality and, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, have excellent collaboration skills.

As you will work in an international environment we require very good English knowledge, both orally and in writing.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200211 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 30th May - 2020



For questions, please contact:
Prof. Louise Olsson, Chemical Engineering,
louise.olsson@chalmers.se 
031-7724390

Prof. Derek Creaser, Chemical Engineering,
creaser@chalmers.se
031-7723023