PhD student in Energy Engineering with special emphasis on energy systems analysis of sustainable aviation fuels

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-class expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results. Drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our research is carried out in close collaboration with companies such as LKAB, Ericsson, Boliden, ABB and Epiroc and with leading universities around the world. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.8 billion. We are today 1,770 members of staff and have 17,200 students.

In the coming years, investments amounting to many billions will be made in large projects in the regions of Norrbotten and Västerbotten in Northern Sweden. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and offers a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand.

Do you want to do research on how production of sustainable aviation fuels can be realized? The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology now seeks one PhD student within Energy Engineering, who will focus on energy systems analysis of sustainable aviation fuel production.

The subject of Energy Engineering at the Division of Energy Science belongs to the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, which is a factually wide institution with many successful teams, recognized education programs and appreciated teachers.

Subject description
Energy engineering includes the development of technologies and processes for a sustainable energy supply.  The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and efficient energy use in industry and society. We work closely with companies/industries in both research and student projects. The research conducted has high international standards, and we collaborate with researchers around the world.

Project description
Aviation fuel used today is almost exclusively fossil and aviation is known to be difficult to decarbonize through electrification, which will be a major solution for land-based transport. Recent years have, however, seen ambitious international targets for reduced aviation CO₂ emissions. In order to reach those targets, large scale use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), e.g., bio jet fuel, is essential and in Sweden a reduction obligation for jet fuel is introduced in 2021. The global production of SAF is however still very small and exclusively based on feedstocks subject to both increasing competition and sustainability concerns. The EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and the ReFuelEU Aviation directive proposal steers towards biofuels, produced from residual biomasses, and electrofuels, produced from CO₂ and electricity. Sweden is excellently positioned do produce biofuels for both land and marine transport and aviation due to large forest resources and a highly developed forestry and forest industry sector, that can provide residues suitable as biofuel feedstocks.

The aim of this project is to expand the knowledge on suitable SAF production pathways, with particular focus on routes that uses a methanol intermediate to provide value chain flexibility, which can decrease the market risk for investors in production plants. Process modelling and systems analysis will be used for studies of the performance of various SAF value chain alternatives. Your will assess the alternatives related to techno-economy, production potential, and energy and environmental performance, in order to pinpoint promising options for large scale production in different contexts.

You will work within research projects performed in collaboration between Energy Engineering at LTU, Chemical Technology at LTU, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, and other company partners.

Duties
A doctoral student’s main responsibility is to pursue doctoral studies with the aim to successfully defend a doctoral dissertation. You work independently to plan and carry out your research studies, write scientific articles and complete your PhD thesis. You study postgraduate courses and participate in national and international seminars and conferences. You have two or three supervisors who support you in your work.

Qualifications
We seek a candidate with an MSc degree in energy engineering, chemical engineering, or equivalent. You should have knowledge in one or more of i) energy and process modelling (e.g., using Aspen Plus), ii) energy systems analysis including techno-economic assessments, and iii) modelling and optimization. Knowledge of advanced thermochemical conversion technologies for biomass and/or waste and downstream processes for production of fuels / chemicals is meritorious.

Other skills needed are the ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as being able to alone penetrate new research areas, and interest in working interdisciplinary.

English language skills (written and oral) are required since the research will be conducted in international collaboration and the results will be presented internationally in scientific journals and at conferences. Swedish/Scandinavian language skills are beneficial.

See also the general curriculum for education at post-graduate level in Energy Engineering:https://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd/Energiteknik-1.106334?l=en

Information
The PhD position includes a fixed-term full-time employment for 4-5 years (depending on the degree of department duty). Department duty typically include teaching and/or administrative tasks up to 20%. You will be employed at Luleå University of Technology, and be located in Luleå, Sweden.

For further information, please contact:Associate Professor Elisabeth Wetterlund, + 46 (0) 920-49 1056, elisabeth.wetterlund@ltu.se, Professor Marcus Öhman, Head of Division,  + 46 (0) 920-49 1977, marcus.ohman@ltu.se

Union representatives: SACO-S Christer Gardelli, + 46 (0)920-49 18 09, christer.gardelli@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 (0)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

Luleå University of Technology is actively working on equality and diversity that contributes to a creative study- and work environment. The University’s core values are based on respect, openness, cooperation, trust and responsibility.

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
You 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 high school and universities. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Reference:  2945-2021
Application deadline: October 4,  2021

URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=4977&rmlang=UK

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