The PhD position in Energy Technology - Solar thermal energy production - ,

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-applied-physics-and-electronics/) has around 100 employees and we conduct strong research in the areas of biomedical engineering, applied optics and energy technology.

We are recruiting a PhD student in Energy Technology with a focus on solar thermal energy production at Umeå university Starting date is negotiable, but we expect that the PhD student can join the group during summer 2023. Application deadline is 16 May 2023

Project Description
Solar energy is an important renewable energy resource that can be used for different thermal applications such as space and water heating in residential buildings. To integrate solar energy in district heating systems (DHSs) medium-high temperatures are needed that could be achieved with a concentrating solar thermal collector even in high latitude regions such as the Nordic countries. Such integration could contribute to decarbonizing our society by replacing biomass- and fossil-based energy resources in the Swedish DHS and to enhance energy security. The scope of this call for new PhD students is to use system approach to investigate the environmental effects and the economic effects of integrated solar thermal in the Swedish DHSs.

As doctoral student you will have access to a full-scale solar heat production facility for district heating, from where the primary data will be gathered. You will also be expected to use numerical tools and develop models to analyse the integration of solar thermal in district heating networks considering different conditions such as heat production technologies, scales of heat demand, type of fuels, and variation of climates. The research would be carried out in collaboration with industrial partners and cooperation with project partners are important aspects of the research project.

Qualifications
To be admitted to studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have an exam at 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 specialization in Energy efficiency or renewable energy or energy technology linked to thermal process, the applicant is required to have completed courses of at least 120 credits within the field of Energy technology or other closely related subjects directly relevant to this third-cycle education. Applicants who in some other system, either in Sweden or abroad, have acquired largely equivalent knowledge are also eligible. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission to third-cycle education but not necessarily at the time of application.

As a doctoral student you should have the ability to work systematically, thoroughly, and independently, as well as in collaboration with others. Further, the applicant must be familiar with theoretical engineering science tools and have good working knowledge of the research area. The planned work requires an analytical and creative mind.

The applicant should be proficient in both oral and written dissemination in English. It is meritorious to have documented knowledge and/experience in solar thermal energy topics. Courses and documented experience of working with energy simulations and statistical methods is meritorious.

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 up to 20 % 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. Authenticated 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 relevant publications, if any.

The application, including attached documents, must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. The closing date for the application is 16 May 2023.

Information
For more information contact:

Associate Professor Gireesh Nair, 090-786 88 04, gireesh.nair@umu.se or

Professor Thomas Olofsson, 090-786 67 10, thomas.olofsson@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!