PhD position in Energy Technology - Thermal Process Chemistry - ,

We are recruiting a PhD student in Energy Technology with specialization in Thermal Process Chemistry for a project focused on fundamental studies of calcination and carbonation reactions under conditions relevant for new and innovative processes for sustainable production of cement clinker and quicklime, with the overall goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the processes. Application deadline is May 15th 2020. The position will open on September 1st 2020 (exact start date can be negotiated).

Project Description
The overall goal with the research, to which the current position relates, is to find new process engineering solutions that enable carbon capture from the cement and quicklime industries. The plan for this doctoral project includes developing new knowledge related to calcination and carbonation in atmospheres of varying temperature and carbon dioxide concentration; knowledge that is necessary as technology development is likely to include new heat sources and higher levels of carbon dioxide in the process gases. The research includes investigation and evaluation of how calcination reactions of carbonate-based raw materials can be optimized during electric heating, how clinker mineral formation is affected, how carbonation of cement clinker and quicklime in cooling in high carbon dioxide concentrations can be optimized, and experimental and numerical studies of upscaling. The research includes laboratory experiments with conventional analytical methods such as e.g. SEM-EDS, XRD, XRF, thermogravimetry and titration. The studies will be carried out in close collaboration with mineral processing industries.

The project is part of the activities within the Centre for Sustainable Production of Cement and Quicklime at Umeå University. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the industrial parties Cementa AB, SMA Mineral AB, Nordkalk AB and the Swedish Mineral Processing Research Association (MinFo).

https://www.umu.se/en/centre-for-sustainable-production-of-cement-and-burned-lime/

Competence requirements
The applicant should have a Master of Science degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, energy technology with specialization on thermochemical energy conversion, geology, material science, mineral technology or equivalent qualifications. 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 fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, energy technology, geology, material science, mineral technology 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.

The applicant should be highly motivated, goal-oriented, and have the ability to work with mainly experimental tasks both independently, as well as in collaboration with a research team. The applicant must have a strong interest in development of directly useful knowledge within the subject of the project. The project includes handling of chemicals and experiments at high temperatures, which means that carefulness and high safety awareness are important. Very good knowledge of the English language, both in speech and in writing, is required.

Other desirable qualifications
It is considered beneficial if the applicant’s degree, or by complementary education, has a specialization in high temperature processes or high temperature inorganic chemistry or advanced knowledge in mineralogy and petrology. Experience from experimental studies in any of the specializations listed is qualifying, as well as competence related to relevant analytical methods (especially ICP, XRF and SEM-EDS). Good communication skills in Swedish are also qualifying.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be active in research, study doctoral courses, and possibly participate in teaching of courses at undergraduate level. Financing time is limited to four years full time (48 months). Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) may be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå University.

Application
Your application should include the following:

1. A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, and your contact details (max. 2 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Copies of relevant degree diploma(s) and certificates.
4. A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5. A copy of master thesis and publications (if any).
6. Contact information of two reference persons.

The application, including attached documents, must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. The closing date is May 15th 2020.

Information
For more information contact Markus Broström, tel.: +46 90 786 59 71, e-post: markus.brostrom@umu.se, or Matias Eriksson, tel.: +46  70 271 32 74, e-post: matias.eriksson@umu.se, or Bodil Wilhelmsson, Cementa AB, tel.: +46 8 625 68 34, bodil.wilhelmsson@cementa.se