PhD-student position in Energy Engineering – with a special emphasis on lignin dissolution and electro-conversion with ionic liquids

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 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 identifying and developing ionic liquids to dissolve, activate, and covert lignin and its derivatives via electrochemical conversion.

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 EU (within the program EIC, pathfinder, alternative routes for H2 production), where five universities and two industries are working together. The overall aim of the project is to develop effective ionic liquids (ILs) as promoters to improve performance. The work covers theoretical screening combined with experimental measurements and testing, as well as process assessment.

Within the PhD project, we will develop ILs to obtain IL-blended electrolytes to reach promotional effects on the targeted catalytic reactions in the electro-chemical conversion of lignin and its derivatives. We aim to enhance both the reactions happening on electrodes and in the electrolyte and finally achieve low overpotential. In parallel, we will also conduct process assessments, such as life cycle assessment (LCA).

Duties
As a PhD student, you will work for 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 research education.

Qualifications
To be eligible, 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 ILs to dissolve, activate, and convert 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 ILs and/or electrochemical conversion.

For further information about a specific subject see: General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Information
Fulltime fixed-term employment for four years (up to maximum 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: Prof. Xiaoyan Ji (LTU), +46-920-492837, [email protected],  Prof. Marcus Öhman (LTU), +46-920-491977, [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.

Reference: 2998-2022
Application deadline: October 19, 2022

URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=6066&rmlang=UK