Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Department of Energy Sciences

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Description of the workplace

This doctoral position is based in the Division of Sustainable Energy Systems at the Department of Energy Sciences. Within Sustainable Energy Systems, we conduct research and education on the development of efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems, with a specific focus on combustion engines. The division has around 20 colleagues, two-thirds of whom are doctoral students. At the international level, we collaborate with universities, institutes, and industry in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Project description

The Department of Energy Sciences has received funding from the Swedish Energy Agency through the Vehicle Strategic Research and Innovation programme (FFI) to conduct research on advanced AI methods for monitoring and controlling hydrogen engines using ion current measurements. The project is experimental, meaning that as a doctoral student you will plan and carry out experimental studies in our engine laboratory.

Tasks and responsibilities

The main task for a doctoral student is to devote yourself to your doctoral studies, therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. 

The duties include participation in research projects as well as doctoral courses. They also include involvement in teaching and other departmental tasks, though no more than 20% of working time. Participate in teaching, including supervision of thesis projects and doctoral students.

A central part of the research involves investigating ion current measurement (using the spark plug as a combustion sensor) as a source of information about the combustion process in the engine. Extensive studies of ion current measurement have been conducted with fuels other than hydrogen, but with hydrogen as a fuel, much remains to be explored. Theoretical studies will be combined with experimental work.

Qualifications 

Requirements for the position are:

  • a second-cycle degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the second-cycle level, or in some other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.
  • specific eligibility requirements for Energy Sciences are met by those who have:
    at least 90 higher education credits relevant to the doctoral subject, of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle (Master’s) level, including an independent project of at least 30 credits at the second-cycle level within the subject area.
  • good ability to utilize the doctoral studies.
  • a second-cycle degree in a relevant field.
  • You must be fluent in English (both written and spoken).

This is a career-development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in the career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers.

Merits for the position are:

  • priority will be given to applicants who have graduated no more than three years before the closing date for applications.
  • It is a merit if you have studied or have experience in AI and/or machine learning.
  • It is a merit if you have studied or have experience in combustion engines.

 Great emphasis will be placed on how the applicant, through his/her experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral studies

What we offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favourable occupational pension.  As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and employed, which gives you several benefits. Read more about being admitted and employed  at the university's website.

The Division of Sustainable Energy Systems has an extensive network both within Sweden and internationally, which you as a doctoral student will be part of. This also provides opportunities for temporary stays at other locations or abroad.

Find out more on the University website about working with us.

About the employment

The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years in total, full-time (100%), with a start date as agreed. As a general rule, employment at Lund University is carried out in Sweden, and you are therefore expected to perform your work on site in Lund.
Rules and regulations concerning employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Provisions regarding admission to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 6, Section 3 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website 

Other information 

For doctoral students, there is a specific salary scale linked to each faculty, and salaries are set and raised in accordance with the applicable scale.

How to apply

The application must be written in English and should include a CV with a list of publications, a personal statement explaining why you are interested in the position and how it aligns with your qualifications. The application should also include a copy of your second-cycle degree certificate, as well as any other documents you wish to submit (copies of transcripts, contact details for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Type of employment Temporary position
First day of employment A soon as possible, according to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2026/1565
Contact
  • Per Tunestål, +46462224208, per.tunestal@energy.lth.se
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, st@st.lu.se
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se
  • SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366, sekocivil@seko.lu.se
Published 11.May.2026
Last application date 07.Jun.2026

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