Doctoral student in Physics focusing on advanced optical measurement techniques for development of future aviation engines. - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Discription of workplace

The Unit for Combustion Physics conducts extensive operations with emphasis on the development of laser spectroscopic techniques for both basic studies and applications in, among other things. combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, nanometer fabrication and plasma production. A substantial part of the research activities are focused on the transition to a sustainable enrgy system. Within the unit's operations, there are extensive national and international collaborations with both academia and industrial partners. The Department of Combustion Physics has since 2001 been located in the new and modern building called Enoch Thulin laboratory at the Department of Physics where currently about 60 people work at the unit.

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 also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Optical and laser-based measurement techniques are often ideal for non-intrusive studies of complicated and difficult-to-access processes without negatively affecting the measurement object. The techniques enable, among other things, extremely high time resolution (high-speed visualization).The doctoral project will be focused on development and application of laser-based measurement methods to study how carbon-dioxide neutral fuels perform in aircraft engines.In the EU-funded project "MYTHOS" involving 5 participating organizations from 3 EU countries, we will develop a new ground-breaking design methodology for future civil aircraft engines. These engines are designed to be powered by a wide range of liquid and gaseous fuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen. 

In jet aircrafts, jet fuel is burned in a gas turbine, which in turn propels the aircraft. Depending on the chemical composition of the fuel, the combustion process will behave different. In order to be able to use a wide range of fuel, which is becoming increasingly important, it becomes essential to investigate whether we can improve the operation of the aircraft engine so that climate-neutral fuels can be used and that different fuels can be used in such an improved engine without the need to modify the design for each fuel. The Department of Physics' work within MYTHOS focuses on combustion chamber studies and optimization using optical and laser-based measurement methods to increase fuel flexibility, so that SAF and hydrogen can be used in the same combustion chamber without having to adjust it. 

You will work at the Department of Combustion Physics in a group that develops and applies advanced optical diagnostics for practical applications, such as gas turbines for aviation and power generation, as well as engines for heavy vehicles and shipping. Collaboration with colleagues at the Department of Energy Sciences, as well as with the international consortium partners in MYTHOS and other research groups, e.g. within the competence center CESTAP (fossil free aviation fuels), will form an important part of the research work.

Admission 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 Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme

Additional requirements:

• Very good knowledge of English, in speech and writing, is a requirement.
• Good theoretical and experimental knowledge in the fields of optics, laser and spectroscopy.

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

• Experience in experimental laser diagnostics and/or atom/molecular spectroscopy.
• Experience in analysing experimental data.
• Experience in Matlab/Python or similar tools for data post-processing and analysis.

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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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 §§.

How to apply

Applications may be written in English or Swedish 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.).

You are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process.

Welcome with your application!