PhD position in Material development for Novel Combustion Technology

Information about the research
The 'global carbon dioxide budget' is an estimation of how much carbon dioxide can be emitted into the atmosphere while satisfying certain climate targets. These budgets are rapidly being exhausted for the 1.5°C and the 2°C targets. There is a growing consensus that negative emissions, i.e. removal of atmospheric carbon, will be needed to meet the climate targets, in combination with a very rapid phasing out of fossil emissions. Negative emissions can be accomplished by combining combustion of biomass with CO2 Capture and Storage, or Bio-CCS. Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) is a very promising technology with inherent carbon dioxide capture that was first demonstrated at Chalmers. Presently our research group has a strong focus on using CLC with biomass, with the goal to achieve negative emissions at low cost and high efficiency.

We are now looking for a talented and motivated PhD student that can contribute to this research effort. You will be working in a creative and experienced research group that is world leading in its field and has excellent track record with respect to publication (>300 publications) and education of PhD students (>20 examined). Specifically the project is related to development of materials for chemical-looping, and to enhance the performance of oxygen carrier particles, the cornerstone of the concept. This fuel conversion process could be a break-through technology with respect to achieving climate targets. The idea here is to investigate a new class of materials, "high-entropy oxides" for use as oxygen carriers. We will have a highly interdisciplinary approach for the project, including experimental synthesis, characterization and testing, but also computational material modelling included as a research tool. The student will have the opportunity to conduct research and collaborate with researchers at the Div. of Energy Technology, Physics, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers, something we believe will be very fruitful for development as a researcher.

The ultimate goal of the research is the development of new technologies capable of contributing significantly to a future energy system with low environmental impact.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your main responsibility will be to pursue your own doctoral studies. This means performing your own scientific studies and participating in PhD courses, thus developing your abilities and knowledge within the field of research. You are expected to work with a high degree of independence, while still being capable of close collaboration with other members of the group and external collaborators. The project is interdisciplinary and you will be working at three departments at Chalmers, hence collaborative skills and flexibility are important competences. You should be able to communicate scientific results to different stakeholders, both orally at meetings and conferences and in written form as scientific articles. Your PhD studies are supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, which in Sweden is equivalent to four years of full-time studies. In addition to this, 20% of your time will be dedicated to teaching or other duties at the department, which means that your position is time limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, chemistry, physics or material science. It is an advantage with some experience in materials modelling and experimental/laboratory work. Courses within thermodynamics, energy technology, combustion, fluidization and transport processes are a merit.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 5 years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: 10 March 2022. 

Read more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10243&rmlang=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 conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!