PhD student in Energy Engineering with a focus on energy system analysis

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 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.The department for Energy Science is looking for you who want to do a PhD in the field of energy technology. Your research will be focused on modeling the transformation of the industry from a national energy system perspective. Of special focus is to analyze the use of and competition for biogenic goods and biogenic CO2, with the aim of creating better conditions for a transition to a more sustainable society based on the systems analysis.

Energy Engineering is in the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics, which is a subject-wise broad department with many successful research groups and recognized educational programs. In Energy Engineering, we have a close collaboration with industries and governmental organization in both research projects and student projects. The research is of high international standard, and we collaborate with researchers all around the world. In the field of energy system analysis, the research is directed towards the transition to a sustainable society, which includes studies related to new technologies, process integration and policy measures, as well as overall energy system assessment at local, national, and supranational level. We collaborate interdisciplinary with several social science subjects.

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

Project description
We are now looking for a PhD student to strengthen our competence in system analysis and TIMES modeling with the aim of strengthening the knowledge and understanding of complex relationships within the energy system with a focus on the use of and competition for biogenic goods and biogenic CO2 (both as inputs, carbon storage and for energy purposes).

Duties
A doctoral position means being part of a research group where you in collaboration with others carry out scientific work as well as teaching. The work includes for example:


• Collect and analyze relevant data and information
• Develop and use TIMES-based models
• Develop methods to manage circularity in TIMES-based models
• Write scientific articles both individually and together with others in the research group
• Scientific research presentation (nationally and internationally)
• Participating in seminar activities within the research group.

Institutional employment includes for example being a course assistant in two undergraduate courses, Sustainable energy systems and Environmental system analysis, as well as supervising master student projects within the master program in Sustainable energy technology.

Qualifications
You are qualified to apply for this position if you have an MSc or equivalent degree in Environment and Energy, Physical Resource Theory, or similar areas. Advanced knowledge of written and spoken English is required. As the project includes researchers from different disciplines, you should be able to demonstrate the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Below are considered important merits:


• Demonstrated understanding of energy systems at national level
• Demonstrated experience with optimization models
• Advanced knowledge and skills in energy technology
• Ability to formulate and handle scientific problems

Additional merits for this position:


• Demonstrated experience of scenario analysis to achieve various climate goals
• Demonstrated experience in developing energy system optimization models such as TIMES based models
• Demonstrated experience in modeling potential industry transition
• Demonstrated experience in modeling energy and material flows in techno-economic energy system models with a focus on conversion of existing systems
• Knowledge of circular coal flows
• Knowledge of sustainable energy transition
• Advanced knowledge and skills in environmental engineering
• Knowledge of written and spoken Swedish (when a lot of sources are in Swedish)

 Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: by agreement.

For further information, please contact: Anna Krook Riekkola, anna.krook-riekkola@ltu.se or Marcus Öhman, marcus.ohman@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se and 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. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Reference number: 4506-2022
Closing date for applications: March 26, 2023