Post Doc in coproduction of hydrogen and biochar from woody biomass

We are recruiting a Post-Doctoral researcher to carry out research with the aim to develop a novel process for coproduction of hydrogen and biochar from woody biomass, that utilize interconnected fluidized bed reactors and the steam-iron reaction. You will work together with researchers with long and internationally recognized experience in the development of technologies for biomass conversion, hydrogen production, fluidization and carbon dioxide capture, and with a company developing processes for efficient utilization of biomass. 

Information about the project and the division 
The Swedish iron and steel industries are set to undergo a revolutionary transformation, phasing out fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy. Production of green steel requires hydrogen and a carbon component, such as biochar. In this context, a process for coproduction of hydrogen and biochar from forestry residues would be valuable. The announced position is within the project "Production of hydrogen and biochar from woody biomass via steam iron process utilizing iron ore concentrate". It is a collaboration between the Division of Energy Technology at Chalmers University and the company Bioshare AB. It is funded by the Bio+ program of the Swedish Energy Agency.

This project starts off from Bioshare's concept for production of biochar via wood pyrolysis, which yields a by-product in form of raw synthesis gas. Instead of generating hydrogen via the conventional route (gas cleaning, water-gas shift, purification) an alternative route will be examined, that encompasses reduction of iron-based particles in fluidized bed with synthesis gas, followed by generation of hydrogen by oxidation with steam. As Post Doc, your primary task will be to examine the relevant reaction between synthesis gas and materials, and the influence of key impurities on performance. A PhD student and personnel from Bioshare will also work in the project. The other team members are tasked with designing a novel reactor system and performing system-level analysis, in close collaboration with you.

The position is at the Division of Energy Technology at Chalmers University of Technology, but you will also spend time at the Division of Energy and Materials. The Division of Energy Technology conducts research and offers education mainly in energy technology and energy systems. Our research focuses on combustion and gasification of biomass, technologies for carbon dioxide avoidance, energy transformation and sustainable energy systems. A considerable part of our research is experimental and for this we have built up and are maintaining unique experimental facilities, such as for example Chalmers research boiler/gasifier and several chemical-looping pilot reactors. We also conduct systems-level projects with in-depth research on energy transformation processes. The research area is characterized by strong desire for new efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, swift changes in political and economic environment and urgent need to reach implementation phase for existing solutions.

Major responsibilities
As Post Doc your main responsibility is to conduct research within the framework of the given project. If desired, teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses can be part of the work description, but it is not mandatory. You are expected to work with a high degree of independence, while still being capable of close collaboration with other researchers and industrial partners when needed. You should be able to communicate scientific results to different stakeholders, both orally at meetings and conferences and in written form as scientific articles. 

Qualifications
By the starting date, you should have a PhD exam in a subject relevant for the project content (e.g. chemical engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering), or awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Experience of experimental research is mandatory. Also, the position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and preferably also in Swedish. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Experience and knowledge in the following areas is meritorious: i) Fluidization engineering, ii) Material characterization, iii) Biomass utilization, iv) Combustion and gasification, v) Chemical-looping combustion and similar concepts, vi) Metal-oxide chemistry.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years, with extension with one year to three years being a possibility. 

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 20220608 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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 research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2022-12-21

For questions, please contact:
Professor Magnus Rydén, Division of Energy Technology
Email: magnus.ryden@chalmers.se
Phone: 031-7721457