Postdoctoral position in experimental and numerical studies of combustion

Description of the workplace

CESTAP - Competence cEntre in Sustainable Turbine fuels for Aviation and Power (cestap.se) is a competence center with academic and industry partners, aiming at promoting the production and use of sustainable fuels for gas turbines and jet engines. Academic partners and institutes include Lund University, Luleå University of Technology, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. CESTAP is financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, around 25 industrial partners and the aforementioned academic partners.

Sustainable future energy use requires a phase-out of fossil fuels, which in some sectors can be done with new technologies that do not involve combustion, especially batteries or fuel cells. However, in some sectors such as aviation, maritime transport and backup power generation, combustion will be difficult to replace. These sectors rely heavily on continuous combustion engines such as gas turbines and jet engines, and they currently collectively contribute close to 10% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

At LTH, the Faculty of Technology at Lund University, two post-docs are now being recruited for projects related to material studies and evaluation of sustainable fuels for aviation and gas turbines. The successful candidates will work in dynamic teams with researchers and PhD students from several departments at LTH and participate in courses and activities together with researchers and PhD students from other universities and institutes. The position for evaluation of sustainable fuels is located in the Department of Heat Transfer at the Institute of Energy Sciences.

At the Department of Heat Transfer, we research classical single- and multiphase heat transfer, chemical and thermal energy conversion processes, numerical flow mechanics, with applications to thermal processes in industry, batteries, fuel cells and electrolysis, gas turbines and jet engines, new propulsion systems such as ramjet, scramjet, and rotary detonation engines. The department is the coordinator for two competence centers, CESTAP and AdTherM and participates in several EU projects and other basic research and industry projects.

Subject description

The postdoctoral position is established to support and expand both experimental and numerical research activities within CESTAP, and includes tasks of both experimental and numerical nature. Due to the complexity of the applications, the use of advanced numerical simulation models such as Direct and Large Eddy Simulation (DNS and LES) and relatively uncomplicated but accurate non-contact diagnostic methods such as e.g. Schlieren or more specifically Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS). Extensive experience in designing and implementing complex experimental campaigns for realistic applications utilizing multiple diagnostic methods is desirable.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

The postdoctoral fellow will mainly conduct research in the areas of non-contact diagnostics and numerical simulation of combustion processes with the aim of increasing fuel flexibility in gas turbines and jet engines.  Due to the complexity of the applications, it is especially important to master simple but accurate non-contact diagnostic methods such as e.g. Schlieren and BOS as well as advanced numerical simulation models such as DNS and LES.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• You are responsible for designing and constructing various laboratory setups for combustion studies of primarily liquid fuel.
• You are responsible for planning interdisciplinary numerical and experimental campaigns in these laboratory setups.
• You are responsible for evaluating and reporting joint results.
• The project is a close collaboration with national and international partners and you are expected to actively interact with them.
• You are expected to supervise Master theses and assist in the supervision of doctoral students.
• You are expected to assist the group in the work with research applications.
• You are expected to handle administration linked to the tasks above.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• At least one original publication per area, non-contact diagnostics and numerical simulations, in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Documented background in relevant numerical and experimental methods.
• Experience from multidisciplinary environments and collaborations.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Strong background in design of experiments.
• Strong background in Large Eddy Simulation or Direct Numerical Simulation
• Strong background in non-contact imaging techniques.
• International networks and experience.

Consideration will be given to how the applicant, through his/her experience and competence, is judged to supplement and strengthen the research within the department and the center and contribute to their future development.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!