Post-doctoral position in biomass fuel combustion/gasification - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Carbon-neutral/free energy solutions are the ultimate goal of the present research. The target of this project is to achieve the fundamental understanding, and consequently improved kinetical modelling of the complex thermal chemical processes of biomass combustion and gasification, aiming at the optimization of biomass utilization.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Research within the subject area, more specific:
  • Different solid biomass fuels, as powder or pellet, commonly available for different industrial applications will be studied. Versatile laboratory scale burner devices will be developed to provide combustion/gasification environments that mimic different industrial applications. Different fuel feeding systems are to be considered.
  • Acquire quantitative data of temperature and concentrations of different key species with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution. Such data from in situ nonintrusive optical measurements are needed to track the crucial processes as ignition, devolatilization and char combustion/gasification.
  • Establish kinetic understanding/modelling of the thermal chemical biomass conversion process, including the thermal chemistry of potassium metal (also other trace metal elements), nitrogen compounds, chlorine and sulphur compounds. This work should be based on the proper experimental designs and quantitative measurements, together with theoretical understanding and CFD modelling/simulation of the gas flow and heat/mass transfer processes.
• Lab responsibility for the biomass/solid fuel lab
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Involve to certain extend to teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Proper education or practical experiences to design and operate the required burner device.
• Proper education or practical experiences of atomic, molecular and optical physics, to perform quantitative spectroscopic measurements in the specific research field
• Proper education or practical experiences of chemical kinetics and fluid mechanics to perform quantitative analysis and kinetic understanding of the key related chemical processes in the specific research field.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• A good track-record of scientific publications in well-recoginized journals like Combustion and Flames, Fuel and PCI etc. will be regarded as a substantial merit.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/