Postdoc-Energy and material-efficient transformation of plastics industry

The Division of Energy Technology at Chalmers currently has an opening for a post-doc in the area of resource-efficient transformation of industrial processes, in particular in the basic plastics sector. This sector is facing major challenges to implement rapid and complete transformation of their operations to become climate-neutral by 2045 and contribute to net negative CO2 emissions thereafter, whilst remaining cost-competitive. There is thus a clear need for research that can provide industrial decision-makers with the knowledge required to implement this transformation.

Information about the project
The research will be conducted within the following project: "FUTNERC - Transformative change towards net negative emissions in Swedish refinery and petrochemical industries", funded by the Swedish Energy Agency with co-funding from industry.

The project will explore possible development paths that can contribute to transformative change of the basic plastics industry so as to comply with societal targets for feedstock switching from fossil fuels to plastic waste and biomass, while at the same time becoming net negative emitters of greenhouse gases by 2045 and beyond, in alignment with the Swedish climate targets. The pathways to be assessed will include electrification, Carbon Capture and Storage and/or re-Use (CCS/U), renewable and recycled feedstocks and fuels, as well as energy efficiency measures. The focus of the project will be to identify cost-effective and competitive solutions for achieving these targets. The research activities will involve development of generic reference case process models which can be used as benchmarks for assessing more detailed process modifications defined together with the industrial project partners. All potential development pathways will be assessed with respect to techno-economic performance for different assumptions regarding future development of parameters such as fuel and electricity prices, carbon pricing in different sectors and cost for transport and storage of captured CO2.

Major responsibilities
As a postdoc you will be expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will also be expected to contribute to the project and take active part in building and maintaining collaborative links with relevant members of the department, research project members and stakeholders.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a PhD degree in chemical process engineering design or similar; the degree should generally not be older than three years. If you are from the top 250 universities in the QS World University Ranking for Chemical Engineering you will be given special consideration.

In-depth knowledge regarding process operations in the refinery or petro-chemical process sectors is required and with experience of conceptual design of advanced process solutions for implementing circular economy concepts in the basic plastics sector you are of particular interest for the project.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required.

Contract terms
Postdoc positions at Chalmers are limited to two years (1+1) on a full-time, temporary employment basis. If the project develops favorably, it may be possible to offer a continuation in the form of fixed-term researcher position, in agreement with Swedish employment legislation.

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 20210520 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

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.

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

Application deadline: 12 December, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor Simon Harvey, Division of Energy Technology
E-mail: simon.harvey@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7728531

*** 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!