Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics currently has around 100 employees and conducts research in fields such as Energy Technology, Laser spectroscopy, Medical Technology, machine learning and embedded systems, as well as robotics.

We are recruiting a PhD student in Energy Technology with specialization in Thermal Process Chemistry for a project focused on fundamental and applied studies on the fate of trace elements in cement clinker production and reactivity of cement clinker from new production technologies. The aim is to support the development of novel processes for sustainable production of cement.

Project Description
The project is part of the activities within the Centre for Sustainable Production of Cement and Quicklime at Umeå University and is carried out in close collaboration with Cementa AB and the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University. One of the overall goals with our research in this area is to find new process engineering solutions that enable CO2 neutral cement production.

As a Ph.D. student, you will develop new knowledge related to the fate of trace elements in cement clinker production and new methods to characterize reactivity of cement clinker produced by novel production technologies; knowledge that is necessary to optimize new technologies, likely to include new heat sources and higher levels of carbon dioxide in the process gases which probably affects the overall process chemistry.

The research project includes laboratory experiments with high temperature reactors, full scale industrial tests, and conventional analytical methods such as e.g. scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence, thermal analysis (TGA-DTA-DSC), and titration.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in energy technology with specialisation in thermal process chemistry, the applicant is required to have completed course requirements of at least 120 credits within the field of energy engineering, closely related areas of application or other subject areas considered to be directly relevant for third-cycle studies. Applicants who have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in any other system, either within Sweden or abroad, are also eligible to be accepted. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission to postgraduate education but 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 new directly useful knowledge. The project includes handling of chemicals and experiments at high temperatures, which means that carefulness and high safety awareness are important. The applicant must be fluent in English (Proficient user), both in speaking and in writing.

Meriting qualifications: i) specialization in high temperature inorganic chemistry relevant for production of cement clinker, either by the applicant’s degree, by complementary education or by industrial experience; ii) specific knowledge on the Ca-Si-Al-Fe-O system and its high temperature phases; iii) documented experience from lab-scale studies using high temperature reactors: iv) competences in the application of powder XRD as well as SEM-EDS.

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 or 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. Certified 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 your Master's thesis and other 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 November 8th 2021. The position will open on January 1st 2022 (exact start date can be negotiated).

Information
For more information contact Matias Eriksson, tel.: +46  70 271 32 74, e-mail: matias.eriksson@umu.se or Markus Broström, tel.: +46 90 786 59 71, e-mail: markus.brostrom@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2022-01-01 eller enligt överenskommelse
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1423-21
Contact
  • Markus Broström, 0907865971
  • Matias Eriksson, 0702713274
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 08.Oct.2021
Last application date 08.Nov.2021 11:59 PM CET

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