Doctoral student in Energy Sciences with focus on model development on the integration of solar PV with electrolyzer - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The doctoral student will work at the division of heat transfer in a group focusing mostly on modelling and simulation at various length scales. Collaborations with the solar integration research group at LTH division of Energy and Building Design, the consortium partners of the Circular Fuels project, and other research groups in Sweden and abroad will support and leverage the research and development. 

Project and subject description

In the EU-funded project Circular Fuels involving nine participating organizations from seven EU countries, we will integrate concentrated solar heat (CSH), solar electrical energy using PV panels, and thermochemical conversion of bio-based waste materials to produce sustainable transportation fuels for aviation. The use of solar energy removes the need to burn any fraction of the pyrolysis products to heat the pyrolysis process, allowing us to use the by-products of pyrolysis for other purposes. Our main objective is to maximize the fraction of jet fuel, kerosine, and analyze all component fractions that may be suitable as other transportation fuel products to maximize the profitability of the concept. The proposed new thermal pyrolysis process pathway is not yet standardized. Therefore, we will perform initial testing for the required standardization, including material and chemical compatibility and turbine combustion tests.

This doctoral project is a sub-project of the Circular Fuels consortia and have the objective to develop a system for coupling solar photovoltaics and PEM electrolyzers to produce a stream of green hydrogen for bio-oil upgrading. Expected output are an innovative pilot emulator system that can imitate daily and annual variations in solar irradiance at different EU locations (Northern, Central and Southern Europe) and secure continuous hydrogen flow. The system also includes storage for hydrogen for night-time operation. The goal is to obtain proof-of-concept data on the reliability, sustainability, and economical feasibility of the proposed PV to hydrogen integration approach.

Work duties

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

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 are 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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience and knowledge about system scale modeling of energy systems. 

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:

• Background in system scale modeling of energy systems
• Knowledge of electrolyzers, hydrogen and solar PV
• Ability to communicate with researchers in other research fields
• An MSc in energy engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering or engineering physics

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. 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 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 to apply!