PhD Student in Automatic Control with Focus on Control and Optimization of Fossil Free Steel Production

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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.

Control and automation plays a significant role in optimizing resource consumption and reducing emissions in various industrial applications. It is thus an important tool to enable eco-friendlier and more sustainable industrial processes. The Automatic Control group at the Department of Computer Science, Electrical, and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology is since long time established in the area of control and optimization of complex dynamic systems in, for example, the mining and process industry, energy production, energy distribution, data centres and food production. In these industries, there is a strong focus on sustainability and circularity and a need for research efforts in terms of control and optimization to achieve this. 
The group has recently been granted funding for research focusing on modelling, simulation, and control to enable fossil free steel production processes. We are therefore looking for a committed and creative person for a position as PhD student to be part of the research team. We work in close collaboration with LKAB, the main steel industry in Sweden, and other industry and stakeholders regionally and internationally. The Automatic Control group also has a strong link with ProcessIT Innovations at Luleå University of Technology which is a collaboration center in northern Sweden working to develop new technical solutions based on industrial needs.

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 
Automatic Control comprises the analysis and synthesis of models and model-based algorithms for control, estimation, and monitoring of complex dynamic systems.

Project description 
The main research area will concern control and optimization, applied to fossil free steel production. The aim of the project is to explore the use of control methods and optimization techniques in a novel steel production process, where hydrogen replaces the fossil fuel in the conventional process. The project is funded by LKAB´s foundation for sustainable transition of the mining and mineral sector and will be carried out in close collaboration with the Energy Engineering subject at Luleå university of technology.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical works 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 research studies with the aim to successfully defend a doctoral dissertation. You will work closely with your academic supervisors and industrial collaborators within the project. 
In addition, you will be participating in other academic tasks, such as teaching and mentoring undergraduate students for up to 20% of full-time employment. You will also have plenty of opportunities for training and skill developments as well as being involved in challenging development projects. Travelling will be required for the purpose of cooperating with industry partners and presenting research results at conferences and meetings.

Qualifications
To be qualified for the position, you must have a master’s level degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computer Engineering or other related subject, preferably with a strong interest or experience in applied mathematics, optimization, control, and modeling. Documented scientific skills and experience with experimental work are considered meritorious, as well as effective communication skills, both written and orally. You need to be a good team player and at the same time able to take own initiatives and work independently. You will represent the group in different contexts, both in Sweden and world-wide, hence proficiency in English is required. Knowledge on or experience with metallurgy is meritorious, and knowledge in Swedish is an advantage as some of our teaching is delivered in Swedish.

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 Campus. Starting: 1 November 2024

For more information, contact: 
Prof. Andreas Johansson +46 920- 49 2334 andreas.johansson@ltu.se

Union representatives: 
SACO-S Joanna Hübinette, 0920-49 3432 joanna.hubinette@ltu.se 
OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 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. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Reference number: 3374-2024 
Final day to apply: Oct. 20, 2024

Link to this job:
https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/job-vacancies?rmjob=8387

Qualifications
To be qualified for the position, you must have a master’s level degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computer Engineering or other related subject, preferably with a strong interest or experience in applied mathematics, optimization, control, and modeling. Documented scientific skills and experience with experimental work are considered meritorious, as well as effective communication skills, both written and orally. You need to be a good team player and at the same time able to take own initiatives and work independently. You will represent the group in different contexts, both in Sweden and world-wide, hence proficiency in English is required. Knowledge on or experience with metallurgy is meritorious, and knowledge in Swedish is an advantage as some of our teaching is delivered in Swedish.