Doctoral student in Energy Sciences with focus on advanced numerical design methodologies for future aviation engines - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject- and project description

In the EU-funded project MYTHOS involving five participating organizations from three EU countries, we will develop a new ground-breaking design methodology for future short- and medium-range civil aircraft engines. These engines are intended to be powered by a wide range of liquid and gaseous fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen. The project aims to meet the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions for civil aviation according to the ACARE SRIA goals in the short, medium and long term until 2050.

In an aircraft engine, jet fuel is burned in a gas turbine, which in turn propels the aircraft. Depending on the chemical composition of the fuel, the combustion will look different. In order to be able to use a wide range of fuels, which is becoming increasingly important, it will be 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 without the need to modify the engine. The work of energy scientists within MYTHOS focuses on combustion chamber studies and optimization using numerical simulation methods to increase fuel flexibility so that SAF and hydrogen can be used in the same combustion chamber without this being adjusted.

The doctoral student will work at the division of fluid mechanics in a group focusing on numerically studying thermochemical processes, turbulent reactive flows, and heat transfer. Collaborations with colleagues at the heat transfer and combustion physics divisions as well as with the consortium partners of the MYTHOS project, and other research groups in Sweden and abroad will support and leverage the research and development. 

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.
• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience of and knowledge about advanced fluid dynamic simulations on high-performance computational 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 physics, fluid dynamics and/or numerical methods with documented knowledge of turbine combustion.
• Knowledge of chemical kinetics, spray combustion and openFoam.
• Ability to communicate with researchers in other research fields.

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.).