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The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-applied-physics-and-electronics/) conducts strong research in the areas of applied optics, energy technology and biomedical engineering. We announce a PhD position focusing on laser-based combustion diagnostics in waste incineration. Last day to apply is May 30, 2023. Starting date is August 1, 2023, or by agreement.

Project description
The Applied Optics group (https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/als/) at Umeå University is looking for an outstanding PhD candidate interested in developing spectroscopic and numerical methods for the characterization of waste combustion processes.

In a circular and carbon neutral economy, non-recyclable waste can be used for energy recovery through incineration together with material recovery from the bottom ash and carbon capture. One obstacle for efficient implementation is that the instantaneous waste composition is usually unknown. Also, due to the EU emission trading scheme and increasingly strict emission regulations, the industry is required to measure and compensate for fossil carbon dioxide emissions. However, established techniques are not suitable for fast, online monitoring of waste composition and fossil carbon dioxide emissions.

You will perform both experimental and computational work to investigate fuel and process parameters in high temperature reacting flows. The overall aim is online quantification of fossil carbon dioxide emissions and classification of the input waste fractions.

The project is conducted in close collaboration with the industry (Umeå Energi), RISE Piteå, and researchers at the Thermochemical Energy Conversion Laboratory and the Chemical Biological Centre (KBC) at Umeå University. Ample opportunities for cooperation with national and international research groups are foreseen.  

The PhD position is financed by the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University and Umeå Energi.

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. 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.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at postgraduate level in applied physics, the applicant is required to have completed courses of at least 120 credits within the field of physics. Candidates are expected to have a degree on advanced level in engineering physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or other closely related subject area considered to be relevant for third-cycle studies. Fluency in English is a requirement.

As successful candidate you are expected to have knowledge in molecular spectroscopy and experience in experimental work with laser spectroscopy. Expertise in programming (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW) and computational methods, combustion chemistry, optics, electronics, as well as data acquisition and processing will be considered meritorious.

We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented candidate with excellent problem-solving skills, who is passionate about laser spectroscopy and combustion, and can work both independently and in an interdisciplinary research team. Since the project includes handling of chemicals, high-power lasers, and delicate optical equipment, you should have a high sense of responsibility and security awareness.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a dissertation and a doctoral degree. The main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be active in research, attend doctoral courses, and possibly participate in teaching of courses at undergraduate level (up to 20 %). The employment is limited to four years at full time studies 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 Umeå University.

Application
The application should contain:

  1. A cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation relevant for the position (max. 1 page).
  2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
  3. Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish.
  4. Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation. Note that for international (extra-EU) applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
  5. Copies of student theses and publications (if any).
  6. Names and contact information of at least one reference person.

The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish and submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi latest 2023-05-30

Information
The employment is full-time for 48 months.

Starting date: August 1, 2023, or according to agreement.

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

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2023-08-01 or to agreement
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-758-23
Contact
  • Florian Schmidt, 0907867611
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-7865365
  • SEKO, 090-7865296
  • ST, 090-7865431
Published 26.Apr.2023
Last application date 30.May.2023 11:59 PM CEST

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