PhD-student in Energy Engineering electroconversion of lignin/derivatives

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.Energy Engineering within the Division of Energy Science belongs to the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. It is an institution with many successful teams and recognized educational programs. We work closely with companies/industries in both research and student projects. The conducted research has high international standard and close collaborations around the world.

The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology has an open PhD position in the subject of Energy Engineering. Your research studies will focus on developing an ionic liquid-based electrochemical conversion to dissolve, activate, and covert lignin and its derivatives to bio-chemicals on the anode side and simultaneously to generate green hydrogen in the cathode side.

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
This is is a four-year PhD project, with financial support from the Swedish Energy Agency and the cooperation with the Umeå University. The overall aim of the project is to develop effective ionic liquids (ILs) as promoters to improve performance.

Within the PhD project, we will develop a novel concept to produce bio-based aromatic chemicals and green H2 simultaneously from lignin, focusing on the anode side to lower the energy demand, where ionic liquids will be used to promote the dissolution and activation of lignin and its derivatives, nanostructured electrocatalysts (anodes) will be developed, and energy, cost, and environmental impact will be quantified, and machine learning will be used.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. 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.

As a PhD student, you will work toward a doctoral degree as the final goal, according to the goals specified in the Higher Education Ordinance. In parallel with your thesis work, you will also develop your general skills by taking courses as part of your research education.

Qualifications
To be eligible for employment, you must have a degree of Master of Science in Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Engineering, or similar specializations. You should have a good knowledge in English language and good oral and written proficiency. It is desirable that you have a strong interest in converting biomass (lignin) via electrochemical conversion. We value a candidate who likes to work in a team but can also take the initiative on his/her own. We see it as an advantage if the candidate has research experience on electrochemical conversion and ionic liquids for biomass dissolution.

For further information about a specific subject see:

General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Information
Full-time fixed-term employment for four years (up to a maximum of five years). Departmental duties, such as project management, administration and/or lecturing, up to 20 % of full time may be added. The lecturing assignments are within the courses given for the MSc program in Sustainable Energy Engineering. Placement: Luleå. Starting: According to agreement.

For further information, please contact:
Xiaoyan Ji (LTU), Professor, (+46) 920-49 2837 xiaoyan.ji@ltu.se
Aatto Laaksonen, Professor, (LTU/SU), aatto@mmk.su.se
Thomas Wågberg, Professor, (UmU), thomas.wagberg@umu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version is preferred.

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

Application
We ask you to 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 the university level. Your application, including diplomas, must be written either in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.


Closing date for applications : March 27, 2024
Reference nember: 395-2024