Doctoral student in Combustion Engines - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Combustion Engines is a world leading engine research facility focused on engine control, alternative fuels, novel combustion concepts, and fundamental studies in optically accessible engines. It hosts a state-of-the-art engine lab with 13 test cells, and about 20 employees of which 12 are Ph.D. students. The engine research cluster in Lund involves staff from Combustion Physics, Fluid Mechanics, Automatic Control and Heat Transfer totalling more than 50 scientists.

Job assignment
“Gas-Wave- the path to CO2 neutral combustion systems” is an Energy Agency funded project in collaboration with Volvo AB. The focus is on natural gas as an alternative fuel for sustainable transportation, reducing the engine out CO2 emissions by ~20% compared to gasoline and diesel. Using gas in combustion engines is nothing new, however the combustion processes can look very different. In conventional gas vehicles the gas is combusted in the same fashion as a gasoline engine, with the same penalties in emissions and efficiency. In this project, the gas enters the engine in the same manner as in a diesel engine, meaning direct injection in the combustion chamber. This means higher efficiency and lower GHG emissions; however, the natural gas behaves differently than diesel. Your work will be to investigate fuel behaviour as well as unconventional combustion chamber geometries using engines modified for optical diagnostics as well as conventional engines.

Optical diagnostics means that the combustion engine has been modified for visual access into the combustion chamber, allowing high speed video measurement and laser diagnostics, techniques that Lund University is well renowned for.

The project includes tight collaborations with Combustion Physics at LU and the research department at Volvo AB. The work will be presented in international conferences and journals, meaning a large network within the automotive community.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Combustion Engines if he or she has:

• at least 90 credits of relevance to the subject, including at least 60 second-cycle credits, and a second cycle degree project of relevance to the field, or
• a second cycle degree in a relevant field.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English

Assessment criteria
The selection for admittance to the postgraduate studies will be based on the judged ability to successfully finish the same. The assessment is based on results of studies at undergraduate and graduate levels, with particular emphasis on the candidate's ability to present, explain and defend his thesis in an interview. Special attention is paid to the following: 

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis work and education topic.
• Ability to work independently and ability to formulate and solve scientific problems.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

The candidate should have a Master of Science degree in (electro-)mechanical engineering, or a Degree in engineering physics, science or other similar competence.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Apply for the position via the link at the bottom of the vacancy notice. Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome with your application!