Doctoral student in Chemical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The subject presupposes knowledge of chemistry, thermodynamics, microbiology, mathematics and economics. The programme includes experimental studies ranging from laboratory work to pilots and industrial applications, modelling and simulation of technical processes, as well as process design and system analysis. Components of the programme include reaction engineering, separation engineering and catalysis, pharmaceutical processes, biorefineries and other applications.

Work duties
Within the research project, the doctoral student will mainly work with designing and testing a pilot plant for carbon dioxide capture and evaluating amine absorption with AMP/DMSO at three different CHP plants in Sweden. The work will involve experimental work both on lab scale and pilot scale, as well as operation of the pilot on site. During operation of the pilot, collection of process data and evaluation of the process will be performed.

The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the supervisors, industry partners and other researchers and doctoral students in the group for innovative process design at the Department of Chemical Engineering. Furthermore, the doctoral student is expected to gradually take more and more responsibility and initiative to drive the research project forward, especially towards the end of the studies.

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 will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 10%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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 Chemical Engineering if the applicant has:

• A specialised project of at least 30 second-cycle credits in the subject.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Other assessment criteria:

• Documented experience of experimental work.
• Experience in amine absorption for carbon capture.
• Work experience from industry.
• Experience of design or construction projects in the process industry.
• Good ability to work independently and in groups.
• As it is expected that the doctoral student can teach in the engineering program, it is meritorious  to be able to communicate in Swedish.

We are looking for someone who is:

• curious,
• goal-oriented,
• structured and sustainable,
• likes practical problem solving and has good analytical skills,
• has good self-awareness. 

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
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.).