PhD student position in Environmental Impact from Rock Material Production

How can we reduce the environmental impacts of the European aggregates industry? The aggregates industry is of utmost importance as a material supplier for buildings and infrastructure development. The aim is to evaluate the environmental impact of different quarries in Europe and assess the improvements the deployment of different technologies can have on sustainability. The PhD research is focused on the analysis of the environmental impact through modelling and simulation. You will be part of a research group, Chalmers Rock Processing Systems, which has strong national and international collaborations to aggregates production and minerals processing.

Project description
The research position is within the H2020 European project Innovation Digital Sustainable Aggregates Systems (DigiEcoQuarry). The scope of the project is to design, develop and validate environmental impact in a new system that will be developed within the DigiEcoQuarry project. The system comprises of tools and methods for data capture, sharing and analysis to provide integrated digitalised, automatic and real-time process control for aggregates quarries. This PhD position project objectives include evaluating environmental sustainability through the deployment of technologies to reduce industry emissions and reduce energy and water demand. This will include process and equipment modelling, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and site visits for data collection and experimental work.

You will work closely with other PhD students and senior scientists within the Chalmers Rock Processing Systems group and other researchers within the European project and other international collaborations.

Department of Industrial and Materials Science
The main competencies at the Department of Industrial and Materials Science at Chalmers are found in the areas of Human-Technology Interaction | Form and Function | Modeling and Simulation | Product Development | Material | Production and in the interaction between these areas. The research develops the industrial process, from the need to finished product while creating added value. Combining skills throughout the whole chain distinguishes the department both nationally and internationally. Here we gather internationally prominent researchers in dynamic and outstanding research environments and national and international research networks.

The position will be based at the Division of Product Development. The Division of Product Development provides new methods and tools for virtual platform-based development of sustainable and robust products and product development processes in a life-cycle perspective, focusing on the manufacturing industry. The Machine Element Group (Also called Chalmers Rock Processing Systems group) deals with modelling and optimisation of components and machines in industrial applications. Current research activities are centred around process modelling, optimisation and environmental impact assessments for aggregates production and minerals processing.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, your main responsibility is to pursue your own doctoral studies, which includes working on the environmental aspects from aggregates production within the European project DigiEcoQuarry and undertaking doctoral courses. You are expected to work independently and have the ability to plan and organise your work. You will work in close collaboration with other group members and partners. It is important that you are able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form, in English.

The doctoral program is supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, equivalent to four years of full-time studies, including research, coursework, and participation in seminars and conferences. Including teaching obligations, the position is expected to be five years and around 20% of the position includes teaching in relevant courses.

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

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
Learn more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9601


Application deadline: 30 June, 2021. The position will remain open until filled. The expected starting date is September 2021.