PhD student in Energy Sciences with focus on decarbonization of regional rail - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description 

Regional rail transport is a crucial part of most countries’ overall rail transport development programs. Many European countries are investing heavily in regional services, driven by the desire of many to live in less congested areas with easy access to large cities. 

Most of the current regional rail systems depend on fossil diesel fuel propulsion, leading to challenges with high climate impact, high emissions and inefficiencies. The aim of the project is therefore to research the future state-of-the-art propulsions systems for regional rail systems that efficiently meet all transport requirements while minimizing climate impact and costs.    

The project is a collaboration between the division of IEA, Industrial electrical engineering, and the department of Energy sciences. The project is a part of the framework of EU-Rail involving more than 50 academic industrial partners, with the overall goal to facilitate a fast transition to an attractive, affordable, and sustainable European rail system.

Work duties

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 20%).
The tasks in the research projects involve the investigation of a range of powertrain technologies from combustion hybridization with renewable fuels via fuel cell hybridization to full electrification. The energy supply is anticipated to range from infrequent supply at a one or a few points via supply at all stops of any of the energy carriers to partwise continuous supply of electricity. Quantities like manufacturing cost, maintenance cost, efficiency, lifetime, size and weight etc are key parameters to model.

The first step is to create a common model that can be used to determine the performance, climate impact and costs for the different powertrain and energy supply network options, based on rail and traffic parameters.

The second step is to investigate in detail the powertrains that best fulfill performance criteria at the lowest climate impact and lowest total cost of investment, maintenance, and operation, based on the model developed in the first step. This second step will also involve experimental research.

Two PhD students will work together as a team, but with different technology focus. The PhD student in this recruitment will focus on the fuel cell and engine solutions including the hybrid control parts. The other PhD student will focus on fully electrified solutions and the electrification part of hybrid powertrains solutions including and related charging solutions.

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 Energy Sciences if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in the subject of the third-cycle programme, of which at least 60 credits from second-cycle courses of relevance to the subject, and 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project of relevance to the subject.
• a Master’s degree of relevance to the field.

Additional requirements

• Knowledge of combustion engines and renewable fuels.
• Knowledge of processes in fuel cells.
• Experience of programming, especially in Matlab / Simulink.
• Very good knowledge of English, written and spoken.

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

• We are looking for motivated candidates who are willing to make a difference in the fight against global warming and push for accelerating the decarbonization of transport.
• Experience in modelling and design of vehicle propulsion systems is a distinct advantage, as are work with electrical powertrains, combustion engines and fuel cell technology as well as life-cycle assessment.
• The appropriate background for applicants is an MSc in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Physics with a clear focus on one or more of the fields of vehicles, combustion engines, fuel cells and renewable fuels. 

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.).