Doctoral student in Energy Sciences with a focus on hydrogen combustion engines

Description of workplace

The Department of Energy Sciences conducts research on phenomena, mechanisms, components, processes and systems with relevance to the energy sector and the transport sector. The research is based on a combination of modelling, numerical simulations and experimental studies. The department works with a wide range of problems, ranging from industrially relevant research and development to fundamental research in several different areas. Energy Sciences has an extensive network of collaboration partners, both academic and industrial, national and international.

Research subject

Energy Sciences

Project description

Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines are an important component of the green transition and are seen as one of the primary options for sustainable transport alongside electrification. 

This project focuses on hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, which have the potential to combine energy efficiency and climate neutrality with zero CO2 emissions. In addition to reducing the future heavy demand for batteries in the transport sector, these engines could become particularly important for achieving climate goals in long-distance, heavy-duty transport, which is difficult to electrify.

The project's aim is to investigate flow and mixing phenomena in spark-ignited, direct-injected hydrogen engines and their impact on ignition and combustion processes. The mixing process of air and hydrogen is fundamental to achieving high efficiency without the occurrence of knocking. The research will be conducted using available heavy duty research engines, enabling traditional engine testing as well as in-depth analysis of combustion processes inside the cylinder through high-speed imaging and other optical techniques. Additional tools, such as flow simulations (CFD), will also be utilized.

The project involves another doctoral student at Chalmers University of Technology and is carried out in close collaboration between Lund University, Chalmers University of Technology, and industry partners: AB Volvo, Scania, Aurobay, and SEM. 

After completing the doctoral program, you will have built a strong network within both the Swedish and international automotive industries, providing excellent opportunities for employment and further career development.

Work duties

The primary task of a doctoral student is to focus on their research education, which includes both participation in research projects and taking research training courses. The duties also include involvement in teaching and other departmental tasks, though this is limited to a maximum of 20% of working time.

In this project, you will have the opportunity to work on research questions that directly support the automotive industry's efforts to reduce its climate footprint. You will engage with state-of-the-art engine research technology, including optical measurement techniques and equipment that contribute to a rapid transition to sustainable transport.

Your work will focus on experimentally investigating the mixing process of air and hydrogen before ignition and its impact on ignition and combustion processes. Special emphasis will be placed on the design of the combustion chamber and strategies to achieve the optimal air-hydrogen mixture for maximum efficiency and minimal emissions.

As a doctoral student, you will work with significant personal responsibility and access to supervisors with extensive experience in combustion engine research. The project is conducted in collaboration with another doctoral student and includes a team of experts from the industry. During your doctoral studies, you will develop sought-after expertise, not only in your research area but also in project management, scientific methodology, and other general skills.

Your tasks will include (e.g.):

• Driving the project forward and taking ownership of its progress.
• Developing and using experimental setups.
• Writing both individual and collaborative scientific articles.
• Participating in the activities of the research group.

The position offers opportunities for research-related travel to national and international collaborators and conferences.

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:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics.

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:

• Documented knowledge of combustion engines
• Practical experience working with combustion engines
• Practical problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of optical measurement techniques

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through 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!