PhD position in Energy Technology - Thermal Process Chemistry - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

PhD position in Energy Technology with specialization on Thermal Process Chemistry

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics currently has around 90 employees and conducts research in the fields of energy technology, electronics and system engineering. A large part of the energy research is conducted within the research environment Thermochemical Energy Conversion Laboratory (TEC-Lab) that hosts the present project. Here, the strong and expanding research is mainly targeting thermochemical energy conversion processes. The overall goal is to contribute with new knowledge that is useful for the society and industries in increasing the use of new fuels and materials, developing and improving industrial processes, avoiding expensive operational problems, reusing finite resources, and minimizing harmful by-products and emissions.

TEC-lab is recruiting a PhD student in Energy Technology with specialization in Thermal Process Chemistry for a project focused on applied research on biomass cookstove technology, emissions and aerosol particles when using different stoves and fuels of relevance for developing countries. The overall objective is to promote sustainable and clean cooking with new bioenergy solutions in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions. Application deadline is May 28th 2020. The position will open on July 1st 2020 or as agreed.

Project Description
3 billion people rely on combustion of biomass fuels in simple stoves and fireplaces as their main source of energy for cooking and heating. Household air pollution in these environments is associated with severe health effects as well as negative climate impact. In sub-Saharan Africa, the traditional use of firewood and charcoal is also related to problems with land use, deforestation, and socio-economic inequality. To support the development towards a fossil free and sustainable bio-based society, more knowledge is needed in the feedstock-technology-environment interface, to promote clean and efficient bioenergy solutions globally.

The overall objective with our research, to which the current position relates, is to contribute with knowledge and support the development and implementation of clean cooking solutions using sustainable biomass in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions. The research in this doctoral project will generate new knowledge to better assess the potential for improved and novel cookstoves and biomass fuels, addressing the basic relationship between fuel- and process variables on emissions as well as aerosol particle formation and properties. The research is a combination of experimental work in our combustion laboratories, field studies (in Kenya and Rwanda), analytical work and assessments of health- and climate impacts. Extensive combustion tests, stove technology evaluations and sampling of fine (less than 1 µm) aerosol particles, form the basis for the research, both in laboratory- and field settings. In addition, the work will include also chemical- and physical characterisation of different particle classes, i.e. organic-, soot- (black carbon) and inorganic (salts and metals). The doctoral project will link to other on-going research activities related to bioenergy, waste management and air pollution in developing countries, conducted in larger national and international research collaborations.

Competence requirements
The applicant should have at least a Master of Science in energy technology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering 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 credits in the fields of energy technology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering 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.

A successful applicant is expected to have a strong personal interest in contributing to a sustainable development globally with focus on the energy- and environmental related challenges. 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 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 meriting if the applicant’s degree, or by complementary education, has a specialization in biomass-based thermochemical energy conversion processes, combustion technology and air pollution. Experience from experimental research work with small-scale biomass combustion applications and emission measurements is qualifying, as well as personal experiences of R&D, including field work, in developing countries within the area of biomass, bioenergy and air pollution. 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. 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 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 28th 2020.

Information
For more information contact Christoffer Boman; phone: +46 72 2010054, email: christoffer.boman@umu.se, or Per Hallberg (head of department); phone: +46 90 7868062, email: per.hallberg@umu.se.

We look forward to receiving your application!