Doctoral student in Physics with optical diagnostics of CO2 and nitrogen cycles - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

At the Division of Combustion Physics, extensive research focuses on the transition to a sustainable energy system and reduced climate impact. The experimental research primarily uses laser-based measurement techniques for fundamental studies and industrial applications in combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, plasma, and biology/medicine. The research is carried out with extensive national and international collaborations with academia and industrial partners. Since 2001, the activities have been located in modern premises in the Enoch Thulin laboratory at the Department of Physics, and currently, around 75 people work at the division.

Work duties

Climate change, global warming, and water/soil pollution are among the biggest challenges for the future sustainable development of our society. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N) strongly influence the climate and are part of the consumption cycle in our daily lives. Achieving sustainable cycles for CO2 and nitrogen requires new methods of handling and upgrading to increase their cycle efficiency. Do you want to be part of a European research and innovation project in this development?

The project focuses on developing a process for handling CO2 and nitrogen using renewable biomass as raw material. The process includes pyrolysis of biomass, a new combustion concept (so-called MILD combustion), and reforming added CO2 to generate syngas as fuel. The pyrolysis of biomass also generates biochar, a porous material that can absorb nitrogen, which can then be returned to the soil. The tasks consist of experimental studies of pyrolysis, the combustion process, and biochar. We are therefore looking for someone who has a genuine interest in developing and applying advanced optical and laser-based measurement methods to contribute to solving global problems in the areas of environment, energy, and climate.

The project is financed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and is part of a project portfolio containing seven other projects with the same overall objective in such a project portfolio. The project consists of partners from CNR-STEMS (in Italy), DTU (Denmark), and RISE (Sweden). The doctoral student will work at the Division of Combustion Physics. Collaboration with colleagues at the Department of Energy Sciences and with international partners in the project will form a central part of the work. There are good opportunities to create an international network with researchers and other doctoral students within the project and its other sister projects that are part of the EIC portfolio.

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 can also include 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 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 oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge in optics and spectroscopy

Other assessment criteria

• Experience in experimental optics, laser diagnostics, or spectroscopy.
• Experience in energy technology, e.g. combustion, pyrolysis, or gasification.
• Experience in post-processing and analysis of experimental data. Preferably with Matlab/Python or similar tools.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the 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 postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

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 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.). As a first step of this reqruitment process we kindly ask you to answer the job specific questions. 

Welcome with your application!