PhD Student in Energy Technology with a focus on optimization of heat flows in the mining industry for fossil free steel produktion

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 2 billion per year. We currently have 1,500 employees and 17,900 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.

The division of Energy Science at the department of Engineering Science and Mathematics is looking for a candidate to pursue a PhD in the field of Energy Technology. Your research will focus on future changes in the production system for the mining industry to enable fossil-free steel production with focus on heat streams integration and optimization. We are therefore seeking an enthusiastic and creative person for a PhD position to join the research team. We work closely with LKAB, Sweden's largest steel industry, as well as other industries and stakeholders, both regionally and internationally.

At Luleå University of Technology, there is a research centre called Centre for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden, CH2ESS. You will be invited to the self-organised Network of Young Scientists within CH2ESS as a part of this position. Read more about CH2ESS here: Centre for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden | Luleå tekniska universitet (ltu.se)

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 efficient energy use in industry and society, with close collaboration with companies/industries. Our research has high international standards, and we collaborate with researchers around the world.

Project description
The main research will focus on the integration and optimization of heat flows for future production systems within the mining industry. The goal of the project is to explore possible integrations of heat flows in a new steel production process, where hydrogen replaces fossil fuels compared to the conventional process. The use of heat flows can be both internal within the production system and external with the surrounding community. The project is funded by LKAB's foundation for the sustainable transition of the mining and minerals sector and is conducted in close collaboration with the Control Engineering division at Luleå University of Technology.

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. Travels will be required to collaborate with industry partners and present research results at conferences and meetings.

Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, you must have a Master's degree in Energy Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or another related field, preferably with a strong interest or experience in energy technology, optimization, and modelling. Documented scientific expertise and experience in modelling work are considered advantageous, as well as effective communication skills, both written and verbal. You need to be a good team player, while also being able to take initiative and work independently. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and internationally, so proficiency in English is required.

Qualifications for this position:

• Knowledge and skills in energy technology.
• Knowledge and skills in mass and heat transfer.
• Ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as being able to penetrate new research areas on your own.

Additional merits for this position:

• Demonstrated experience in modelling work.
• Documented knowledge of the steel or mining industry.

 For further information about a specific subject see

* General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: by agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Mikael Risberg, (+46) 920-49 3215, mikael.risberg@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

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

Application
We prefer that 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. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: November 11, 2024
Reference number: 3567-2024

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