PhD student in Fluidized bed production of biochar

We are now recruiting a PhD student willing to carry out research with the aim to develop new technology for efficient large-scale production of biochar which can substitute fossil fuel in the iron and steel industry. The research activities include modeling at reactor and process levels and experimental work with use of advanced measurement tools. The project includes four industrial partners providing expertize and data for evaluation of real scenarios. You will work in a division with researchers hosting a long and internationally recognized experience on different technologies for fluidized bed conversion.

Information about the research and the project
The announced position is framed within the project "Large-scale production of biocarbon as renewable feedstock in fossil-free value chains within the iron and steel industry", funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The project aims to develop a solution in the form of a reactor concept enabling large-scale production of biocarbon which can be integrated into existing cogeneration plants. This requires knowledge of how the properties of biocarbon are affected by its mixing in the reactor and methods for controlling this. The project combines lab and industrial scale experiments with modelling, and includes research groups, technology development companies, plant owners, and the iron and steel industry. After the project, there will be a reactor concept for implementation that can provide industrial partners with up to 80 kt/y of biocarbon, i.e., about -290 kt CO2/y.

The research to be carried out by the PhD student regards the identification of key aspects, parameters and phenomena governing the technical performances of the process and the fluidized bed reactor.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The majority of your time will be devoted to the research. PhD student positions generally also include teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level and performing other departmental duties, corresponding in total to a maximum of 20 % of the working time. You are expected to write a mid-term licentiate thesis and defend your doctoral thesis within 5 years. In addition, the PhD program includes taking courses corresponding to 60 ECTS credits.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position you need a MSc degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education (ECTS) credits in any of the following fields of engineering: mechanical, chemical, thermal, energy, physics, process engineering, or alike. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

It is meritorious if you have experience in fluidized bed technology, research lab measurements, and thermal process simulations. 

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 5 years, with a desirable start in September. 

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 procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220288 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 30/6 2022

For questions, please contact:
Prof. David Pallarès, Div. Energy Technology,
david.pallares@chalmers.se
0733689627

*** 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!