PhD Student in Energy Engineering

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 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 carbon nanoparticles formation and destruction during thermochemical production of biomass? 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 Ph.D. students within Energy Engineering, to work with fundamental understanding how nanocarbon material are produced and oxidised with and without the influence of catalyst materials.

Subject description
Energy Engineering concerns the development of technologies and processes in order to build a sustainable energy supply. The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and energy-efficiency in industry and society.

Project description
Controlling the formed amount and nanostructure of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) via oxidative processes is essential in many different fields ranging from emissions control to production of energy storage materials. However, owing to the large heterogeneity of CNP in terms of constituent carbon allotropes and heteroatoms, the evolution of oxidation mechanisms at the nanoscale have to date not been explored in detail.  We will address this problem using environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) where the oxidation process is recorded in real-time at nano-to-atomic scale resolution from its initiation to end.

Duties
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.

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, material engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, chemistry or equivalent. We also welcome applicants with an expected degree during spring of 2024.

Additional requirements


• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• 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.

It is meritorious if you have the following skills:


• High-temperature chemistry/high-temperature inorganic chemistry.
• Thermochemical conversion processes.
• Electron microscopy (SEM and/or TEM)
• Strong skills in data analysis, using Matlab or Python.

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
The PhD position includes a fixed-term full-time employment for 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with up to 20%. You will be employed at Luleå University of Technology, and be located in Luleå, Sweden. Starting April 2024.

For further information about the position please contact:
Henrik Wiinikka, Professor, (+46)702292384 henrik.wiinikka@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
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. 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.

Last day of application: 31 January 2024
Reference number: 4657-2023