Doctoral student in CFD of Fluidized-Bed Oxy-Fuel Combustion for BECCS

Description of the workplace

Lund University’s Department of Energy Sciences is an internationally recognized environment for research and education in energy systems, fluid mechanics, and sustainable technologies.

The Division of Fluid Mechanics conducts advanced research in reacting flows, multiphase flow physics, heat transfer, turbulence, and computational modelling, with particular focus on energy and environmental applications. The division hosts a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment combining high-fidelity numerical simulations, model development, and experimental validation.

This position offers a unique chance to be part of a vibrant community that is at the forefront of research in fluid mechanics and its applications in sustainable energy and environmental solutions.

This doctoral position is part of the interdisciplinary research project OXYFLUID, carried out in collaboration with Umeå University, Luleå University of Technology, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, and several industrial partners. The project combines advanced numerical modelling, laboratory-scale experiments, optical diagnostics, and systems analysis to develop and assess oxy-fuel fluidized-bed combustion technologies for negative CO₂ emissions and carbon capture applications.

The research environment provides access to state-of-the-art computational resources and close interaction with experts in combustion, particle-laden reacting flows, laser diagnostics, process modelling, and energy systems. The successful candidate will join an active international research environment and contribute to the development of next-generation numerical tools for sustainable energy technologies.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also/can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

This doctoral position is centered on the advanced study of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for oxy-fuel fluidized-bed combustion of solid biomass, with focus on multi-phase reacting flows, particle dynamics, heat transfer, and inorganic chemistry relevant to BECCS applications.

The work includes development of advanced numerical models for gas–solid reacting flows in fluidized-bed reactors under oxy-fuel conditions. The research will be carried out within a Eulerian–Lagrangian framework and will involve implementation and validation of sub-models for particle transport, fuel conversion, devolatilization, heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, and transport of inorganic species such as potassium, chlorine, and sulfur. The project will integrate advanced approaches such as Multi-Phase Particle-in-Cell (MP-PIC), coarse-graining methods, distribution-kernel model, or other emerging methods for particle interactions.

The doctoral student will:

• Develop and implement CFD models for oxy-fuel fluidized-bed combustion of biomass.
• Perform large-scale simulations of reacting particle-laden flows in fluidized-bed reactors.
• Investigate fuel conversion, volatile release, heat transfer, gas–solid interactions, and ash-related processes under oxy-fuel conditions.
• Study the influence of fuel properties, oxygen concentration, air leakage, and moisture content on reactor performance and CO₂ purity.
• Validate numerical models using experimental data obtained from a novel 20 kW bubbling fluidized-bed reactor equipped with advanced optical diagnostics.
• Contribute to simulations of industrial-scale fluidized-bed boilers and assess retrofit strategies for oxy-fuel operation.
• Participate in dissemination of research results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and collaboration with academic and industrial partners. 

The position also includes collaboration with researchers working on experiments, optical diagnostics, process modelling, and systems analysis within the broader OXYFLUID project.

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 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc or a master's degree in mechanical engineering, engineering physics or an associated field.

Additional requirements:

• Knowledge of fluid mechanics and reacting flow
• Demonstrable experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and scientific computing.
• programming skills (e.g. C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar),
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary research teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

A track record of published research in relevant scientific journals is advantageous as well as familiarity with multiphase flows, combustion, or particle transport. Experience with high-performance computing, Eulerian–Lagrangian modelling, or fluidized-bed simulations is considered an advantage.

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: 

• Academic performance and quality of previous studies.
• Knowledge and skills relevant to the research project.
• Ability to conduct independent scientific work and solve complex technical problems.
• Analytical and programming skills.
• Experience with CFD, numerical modelling, combustion, multiphase flows, or high-performance computing.
• Quality of the MSc thesis or equivalent research work.
• Communication and collaborative abilities. 

Particular importance will be attached to the applicant’s motivation and potential to contribute to advanced research in computational modelling of reacting multiphase flows and energy systems.

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

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.).