PhD student

Department of Energy and Technology
At the department of Energy and Technology, research and education are conducted focusing on how agriculture can contribute to a sustainable society. We have expertise in technology and systems for sustainable production of food and bioenergy, including optimal nutrient recirculation and logistic systems. Our bioenergy research focus on studies of technical solutions and systems related to how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for production of fuels, electricity and heat.

PhD student, in research subject Technology
Description:
Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants have the potential to play an important role in achieving net-zero emission targets as proposed in the Paris Agreement by integrating different technologies for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). The relatively concentrated source of CO2 in the biogas can be used for methanation with green hydrogen
(power-to-gas) to further increase production of CH4 as vehicle fuel for transport segments where direct electrification is not feasible. Alternatively, CH4 from AD plants can be converted to H2 via steam-methane reforming (SMR) or methane pyrolysis to supply H2 for fuel cell vehicles and industrial processes. As a result, carbon could be recovered as CO2 (from SMR) or solid carbon (from methane pyrolysis) for storage or utilization by a variety of processes.

The research studies include the development and use of models for techno-economic and environmental assessment of different energy systems scenarios involving AD plants and different CCUS technologies. The holder of this position will be a part of a national, transdisciplinary center of excellence called Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Here, co-production of new and relevant knowledge is generated through collaboration between different scientific disciplines as well as between researchers and practitioners from industry and public organizations. The BSRC includes researchers and support from two universities, Linköping University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, as well as about 50 private and public organizations involving all parts of the biogas system. It also has support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

Qualifications:
Degree at advanced level (Master of Science) in Energy Systems Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related field. Documented knowledge in and experience of computer-based modeling (e.g. Matlab/Simulink) is required. Previous experience in power-to-gas technology and/or energy economics, and knowledge of the Swedish electricity and energy system is considered as a plus. The holder of the position must be able to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken). We put great emphasis on analytical and problem-solving ability, motivation, collaborative ability and ability to work independently. 

Place of work:      
Uppsala.

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment 4 years.

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-01-10.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se