PhD student position in Energy and Materials

Information about the research
We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student with an interest in inorganic chemistry and material science to join our efforts to develop future energy technologies based on the use of chemically active solid oxygen carriers in fluidized-bed reactors. You will work independently with the development of innovative technologies for bio-fuel conversion. The work will involve synthesis and characterization of oxygen carrier materials, operation of fluidized bed reactors as well as kinetic and thermodynamic modelling of relevant systems. The work will primarily consider chemical-looping applications of gasification and reforming of bio-tars to biogas, but also chemical-looping combustion and conventional combustion can be of interest. Furthermore, impurities in the fuel and gas steam, such as alkali, will also be considered.

During the project you will work in a creative research group that is world leading in its field, has extensive experience of practical research and access to unique experimental infrastructure. The goal is to find effective and affordable oxygen carries that can be used to increase the efficiency of the applications described above. The overall goal of our group is to develop revolutionary technology for efficient generation of power, heat and hydrogen with inherent carbon dioxide capture.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility as a PhD student is to pursue your own scientific studies and to develop your abilities and knowledge within the research fields of the project. This is partly done by taking courses but mainly by doing your own research. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally at scientific conferences and in written journal articles and reports. The research group has a large amount of undergraduate students and guest student/researcher and you will be expected to take part in the supervision. The position also includes certain departmental duties, typically in form of teaching, corresponding to up to 20% of your working time. The research facilities are shared within the research group. A part of the work will therefore be to maintain and develop the laboratory equipment and infrastructure together with your colleagues.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Master of Science degree in a relevant subject, such as chemical engineering, inorganic or physical chemistry or material science. Excellent ability to speak, read, write and present in English is mandatory. To be successful you have to be highly motivated, have a problem solving ability and enjoy working both by yourself and in close cooperation with others. Courses in primarily inorganic and physical chemistry, material science, combustion, heat transfer and thermodynamics is a merit. Any experience from experimental research, material characterization, fluidized-bed technology or combustion is a merit. So is any practical experience of laboratory work or work in chemical, process or combustion industry facilities.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

The application should be marked with Ref 20170225 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 and present your qualifications.
• Previous research fields and main research results.
• Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in?

Other documents:

• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. 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: 27 May

For questions, please contact:
Henrik Leion, Energy and Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Leion@chalmers.se, +46 (0)31 772 2818


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***