PhD student position in Energy Technology

PhD student position in Energy Technology and Thermal Process Chemistry Biomass refinement via torrefaction, gasification, synthetization (focus on the latter two process stages) See complete ad: www.jobb.umu.se Energy Technology and Thermal Process Chemistry (ETPC) is a strong platform initiative within the department and is also closely linked to the Department of Chemistry and the Unit of Biomass Technology and Chemistry at the Swedish university of agricultural science.Six senior scientists and nine PhD students are working at ETPC.A large amount of research projects of both fundamental and applied character are run with the main focus to understand and develop thermochemical conversion processes for biomass raw materials.Recently our scientists have successfully taken the pretreatment process of torrefaction to industrial commercialization (program stage 1) and now also have sufficient and appropriate torrefied biomass materials for evaluation as a gasification fuel.These test trials are planned in different sized gasifiers with partners both regionally located and around the world (program stage 2, 2010-2011).Extensive plans are also initiated to first evaluate and subsequently demonstrate production of liquid fuels and green chemicals (program stage 3, 2011-).The duration of a PhD project is 4 years full time to a PhD exam.We believe You can work systematically and stringently, have the ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others.You should have the ability to convert theory to practice, i.e.skilled in both theoretical engineering tools as well as in practical technical and engineering work.Good skills in writing and talking English are highly valued.You should also be analytical, creative and ambitious.Formal requirements include: 1.240 ECTS credit points (Swe.högskolepoäng) of higher education studies within the area of energy-, chemistry- or process technology, of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level) 2. equivalent educational merits gained in Sweden or abroad, or 3.120 Swedish (old) credit points (Swe.poäng) if this is achieved before 2007-07-01.The requirements mentioned need to be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies, not at the time when your application is submitted.For the above Biomass to Liquids Program, we are also continuously interested in - Visiting Post docs/Assistant professors (fo-ass etc) and - Project engineers, such as student/science projects or summer practicants for R&D work in our research facilities.Application procedure The application should include: (i) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) transcripts of records, and (iv) the names and contacts of 1 to 3 references.Umeå university has the ambition to support equality, and when a majority of our employees at the department are men, we encourage female applicants.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.