Researcher in Heat transfer in industrial rotary kilns

The high-temperature processes group is looking for an experienced researcher to be part of several projects, co-supervise PhD students and develop new research directions.

Information about the project and the research
As the successful candidate you will work in a project to explore possible process configuration paths that can contribute to transform greenhouse gas emitting industrial processes in Sweden from using fossil fuels to become net negative CO2 emitters by 2045 and beyond. The studied processes apply rotary kilns where the products require high temperatures, which is why fossil fuel flames are currently used in the processes. Potential paths for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions examined in this project includes electrification, using a thermal plasma, and fuel substitution, using hydrogen gas. The main focus of the project will be to examine the effects on the heat transfer in the rotary kilns as the heat source is changed and how this change may affect the product. Further, the project aims to examine how the plasma or hydrogen flame can be optimized and modified to improve the heat transfer.

Due to the present high temperature, the heat transfer in the rotary kiln will be dominated by radiation and studies of the radiative heat transfer will be central in the project and the research activities will involve further development of an in-house modelling tool, built in Matlab, to study the heat transfer in the rotary kiln in detail. An important part of the project will be the validation of the modelling tool, which will be based on experimental findings. The required experimental work will be demanding in both preparation, execution and analyses, and will be conducted together with industrial project partners. The results found from the developed modelling tool will be central in the collaborative work between Chalmers and the industrial partners.

The position on offer will join a team of senior researchers, postdocs and PhD students dedicated to research aimed to combustion, heat transfer, flue gas cleaning and means to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the producing industry. In the position you will have a central role in the development of one of the experimental furnaces positioned at Chalmers. This includes the construction of new parts, new measurement equipment, maintenance and experimental operation of the furnace as well as the installation of systems for hydrogen gas and plasma torches.

The position will also give an opportunity for participation in educational activities.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a researcher is to take responsibility of the described project(s) and merit yourself by producing good quality research reported in scientific journals and at conferences. In addition, you are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English. You are also expected to take active part and in building and maintaining collaborative links with members of the research team in-house as well as external partners. You will also be responsible for developing new methods, models and research directions.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have a PhD level degree in a relevant field, e.g. Heat transfer, Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering or equivalent. Familiarity with algebraic modeling languages used in Matlab. Excellent writing and communication skills in English is required. You must have strong and demonstrated research ability and ability to independently formulate research questions.

Contract terms
The position is a full-time temporary employment, limited to two years.

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 20210472 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: 14 November, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Klas Andersson
E-mail: klon@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 52 42

*** 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!