Post-doctoral position in Combustion Physics and Chemistry

Description of the workplace
Division of Combustion Physics is well-established and internationally recognized for excellence in the measurement and development of combustion applications related to ground and aerospace combustion engines and energy production. The Department of Physics conducts a wide array of research, together with other departments within the Faculty of Engineering. Our research facility was built in 2001 and currently supports the work of around 60 researchers. http://www.forbrf.lth.se/english/

Subject description
At the Division of Combustion Physics a postdoc is now recruited for the European Union Project CAIPIRINH3A. The main goal of the research performed at our Division within this project is to provide a detailed kinetic mechanism and perform reliable modeling studies for NOx prediction and control in NH3 combustion applications. Experimental results used to validate the numerical model will be based on flame structure measurements of NH3 flames at atmospheric pressure employing Raman spectroscopy arranged with multiple laser beam passages for high detection sensitivity, as well as time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy from ammonia flames after a single pulse nanosecond discharge. The validated mechanism will be incorporated in dedicated global solvers (incorporating plasma effects) which will be used to calculate fundamental combustion characteristics of ammonia/air mixture with and without plasma. The kinetic model will be tested against results from these experiments, other results obtained by the project partners and literature data and will output different characteristics of NH3 combustion including burning velocities, ignition delay times, species profiles in flames, chemiluminescence in thermal and plasma-affected flames.

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 shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Work duties will include:

• Research within the subject area
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed 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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience with laboratory experiments in combustion.
• Experience in development and validation of detailed kinetic models
• Experience in plasma modeling
• Ability to independently design and carry out research projects related to flame studies.
• The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experiences from relevant areas of physics and chemistry are of special value.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
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.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience in chemical kinetic modeling of combustion
• Experience in laboratory studies of laminar flames
• Programming and data processing skills
• Journal publications in the field.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.