Postdoctoral position in Energy Sciences with focus on district heating sector coupling and energy markets - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Department of Energy Sciences is located in the M-building on the LTH campus. At the Division of Sustainable Energy Systems, around 20 colleagues work, two-thirds of whom are PhD students.

Within the research group for Energy Management and Planning, we conduct research and education focused on the development of efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems, with a specific emphasis on grid-connected energy systems such as electricity and district heating, as well as the markets surrounding these systems. The postdoc position will primarily focus on research related to district heating in connection with other markets, but also on district heating from an educational perspective.

Subject description

This position focuses on district heating systems, energy markets, and sector coupling. You will be involved in several research projects, including the EU project DHC Academy and the Hycogen 2 project.

DHC Academy aims to develop an educational platform for district heating, targeting both practitioners and academics. The project is carried out in collaboration with several European universities and industry stakeholders. The Department of Energy Sciences, together with the postdoc, is responsible for coordinating the development of course materials to be made available via a shared digital platform.

Hycogen 2 investigates how surplus heat from hydrogen production can be utilized efficiently. During electrolysis, approximately 30% of the energy is converted into heat. With the EU’s target of 10 million tons of hydrogen per year by 2030, this corresponds to around 230 TWh of residual heat—four times Sweden’s annual district heating demand. The project analyzes and develops solutions for integrating hydrogen production with district heating and cooling systems, aiming to increase energy efficiency and strengthen the resilience of the energy system.

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. 

You will have specific responsibility for coordinating the course package within the DHC Academy project, as well as conducting research on district heating and sector coupling within the Hycogen 2 project. Other research projects may also be included.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Conducting research in the field of district heating and sector coupling and collaborating with the team to develop innovative research within the subject area.
• Analysing and publishing results in well-established scientific journals within the field.
• Collaborating to apply for external research funding for mutual benefit.
• Participating in teaching, both in courses and in the supervision of thesis projects and PhD students.

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.

Divide the qualifications into requirements and additional qualifications, making it clear which is which. Use expressions such as ‟You have/are to/can/have experience of” or ‟It is an additional qualification if you have/are to/can/have experience of”. Avoid unclear expressions such as ‟We welcome/want/presume/expect”.
 Write in bullet points, as this makes it easier for applicants to get an overview of the qualifications that are required and/or additional.

Requirements:

• You are to have very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• You need to have documented experience in research within the field of district heating
• You must have the ability to collaborate with external partners, such as industry or other research institutions
• Personal qualities that are required include independence and strong collaborative skills

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:

• Good proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written, is merited.
• Knowledge of energy markets
• Experience in research related to district heating and sector coupling
• Experience in energy system modelling
• Teaching experience

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

The position offers excellent opportunities for networking with district heating stakeholders and researchers across Europe.

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 (two years from the date of employment). 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!