PhD position in Applied Physics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics currently has around 90 employees and conducts research in fields such as energy technology, laser spectroscopy, medical technology and electronics and system engineering. For more information see www.tfe.umu.se/forskning. 

The research environment Thermochemical Energy Conversion Laboratory (TEC-Lab) at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics is looking for a PhD student to develop laser spectroscopic techniques for studies in biomass combustion and gasification. TEC-Lab is a member of the Chemical Biological Center (KBC) at Umeå University (http://www.kbc.umu.se). 

We are now looking for a PhD student in Applied Physics with focus on laser-based combustion diagnostics

Project description
Thermochemical conversion of biomass is increasingly used to produce electricity and heat, and can supply alternative transportation fuels. Non-invasive and rapid measurements of process parameters, such as temperature and gas composition, facilitate the understanding, monitoring and optimization of these high-temperature processes, and is therefore important in both research and industry. Of particular interest in biomass conversion are gaseous potassium and oxocarbon species. The project aims at constructing suitable optical sensors based on laser spectroscopy for detection of reactive potassium compounds, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in lab- and pilot scale reactors. The instruments will be used to investigate fundamental and applied research questions regarding biomass conversion, ash-formation and material interactions in high-temperature environments. 

As a PhD student, you will attend a postgraduate education containing courses, research and a dissertation. The aim of the doctoral studies is a doctorate that meets the objectives of the Higher Education Ordinance, as well as local goals at Umeå University. The time for doctoral studies is limited to four years. However, the postgraduate education may include teaching (maximum 20%), and in that case the time will be extended correspondingly (up to five years). 

Admission requirements
The applicant must have a Master of Science degree in engineering physics, physics or chemical engineering, or equivalent qualifications. Experience and expertise in experimental laboratory work with lasers, laser spectroscopy, optics and electronics is qualifying. This also applies to programming in Matlab and LabVIEW. Experience with combustion processes, biomass and numerical modeling and simulation will be considered beneficial. Regardless of the background, the applicant should have a strong interest in applying physical and chemical analysis methods in thermal process chemistry.

The applicant should be highly motivated, goal-oriented, and have the ability to work with mainly experimental tasks both independently and in collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team. The project includes handling of chemicals, high-power lasers and combustion processes, which means that carefulness and high security awareness are important. Very good knowledge of the English language, both in speech and in writing, is required, and has to be demonstrated during the interview process. 

Prerequisites to be admitted to the postgraduate education include 240 ECTS credits of higher education studies, of which 60 ECTS credits should be on an advanced (master) level. In addition to these general requirements, the applicant is required to have completed at least 120 ECTS credits in the field of physics, related applied fields, or other subjects directly relevant to postgraduate studies. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission to postgraduate education and need not be met at the time of application. 

Application
Your application should preferably be written in English and must include:

• a cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, and your contact details (max. 2 pages)
• a curriculum vitae (CV),
• copies of relevant degree diplomas and other certificates
• a list of academic courses with grades
• copies of your master thesis and any publications you authored or co-authored (if applicable)
• contact information for three academic reference persons

The application should be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi, latest on 2018-11-05 

Information
The employment is full-time for 48 months. 

Starting date: As soon as possible, according to agreement. 

Salary is paid according to the established wage steps at the university. 

For more information contact Dr. Florian Schmidt (Assistant professor), phone +46-(0)90-786 7611, florian.schmidt@umu.se.