PhD-student in Energy Engineering electroconversion of lignin/derivatives

22 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Luleå University of Technology

Research Field

Engineering » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

26 Mar 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

583--1-7799

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Energy Engineering within the Division of Energy Science belongs to the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. It is an institution with many successful teams and recognized educational programs. We work closely with companies/industries in both research and student projects. The conducted research has high international standard and close collaborations around the world.

The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology has an open PhD position in the subject of Energy Engineering. Your research studies will focus on developing an ionic liquid-based electrochemical conversion to dissolve, activate, and covert lignin and its derivatives to bio-chemicals on the anode side and simultaneously to generate green hydrogen in the cathode side.

Subject description
Energy engineering concerns the development of technologies and processes in order to build a sustainable energy supply. The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and energy efficiency in industry and society.

Project description
This is is a four-year PhD project, with financial support from the Swedish Energy Agency and the cooperation with the Umeå University. The overall aim of the project is to develop effective ionic liquids (ILs) as promoters to improve performance.

Within the PhD project, we will develop a novel concept to produce bio-based aromatic chemicals and green H2 simultaneously from lignin, focusing on the anode side to lower the energy demand, where ionic liquids will be used to promote the dissolution and activation of lignin and its derivatives, nanostructured electrocatalysts (anodes) will be developed, and energy, cost, and environmental impact will be quantified, and machine learning will be used.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects.

As a PhD student, you will work toward a doctoral degree as the final goal, according to the goals specified in the Higher Education Ordinance. In parallel with your thesis work, you will also develop your general skills by taking courses as part of your research education.

Qualifications
To be eligible for employment, you must have a degree of Master of Science in Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Engineering, or similar specializations. You should have a good knowledge in English language and good oral and written proficiency. It is desirable that you have a strong interest in converting biomass (lignin) via electrochemical conversion. We value a candidate who likes to work in a team but can also take the initiative on his/her own. We see it as an advantage if the candidate has research experience on electrochemical conversion and ionic liquids for biomass dissolution.

For further information about a specific subject see:

General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Information
Full-time fixed-term employment for four years (up to a maximum of five years). Departmental duties, such as project management, administration and/or lecturing, up to 20 % of full time may be added. The lecturing assignments are within the courses given for the MSc program in Sustainable Energy Engineering. Placement: Luleå. Starting: According to agreement.

For further information, please contact:
Xiaoyan Ji (LTU), Professor, (+46) 920-49 2837 [email protected]
Aatto Laaksonen, Professor, (LTU/SU), [email protected]
Thomas Wågberg, Professor, (UmU), [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version is preferred.

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46) 920-49 1529 [email protected]  
OFR-S Lars Frisk (+46) 920-49 1792 [email protected]

Application
We ask you to apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter, and copies of verified diplomas from the university level. Your application, including diplomas, must be written either in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Closing date for applications : March 27, 2024
Reference nember: 395-2024

 

 

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Engineering » Other

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Luleå University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Luleå

Postal Code

97187

Street

Luleå University of Technology

Where to apply

Website

https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/job-vacancies?rmpage=jo…

Contact

City

Luleå

Street

Luleå University of Technology

Postal Code

97187

STATUS: EXPIRED