Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics currently has around 100 employees and conducts research in energy technology, laser spectroscopy, medical technology, electronics, and system engineering.
We are recruiting a PhD student in energy technology with a focus on thermal process chemistry. The application deadline is April 2, 2025.
Project description and assignments There is a great need to strengthen research in the production of limestone-based products, especially in the high-temperature processing where a significant amount of carbon dioxide is generated. The Center for Sustainable Production of Cement and Quicklime at Umeå University combines a strong research environment with the largest Swedish industrial players in cement and lime production. We are now looking for a new PhD student in energy technology with a focus on thermal process chemistry.
To enable the use of more circular, but also more challenging raw materials in the production of cement clinker, more knowledge is needed about their impact on the product and the production process. This project aims to generate new knowledge about the effects of elements found in low concentrations in possible raw materials. Specifically, the project will focus on the elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ti, and V, whose content is expected to increase in future raw materials derived from industrial by-products. These elements are not necessary for clinker formation but cannot be removed before clinker production, and there is a knowledge gap regarding their impact on cement and cement clinker properties. The project goals include determining reaction pathways for these elements from raw material to cement clinker, including subsequent effects on leaching from the produced cement structures.
In this project the student will handle and analyse: laboratory experiments, full-scale sampling, advanced material characterization, chemical process modeling, and industrial validation.
The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the industrial partner Heidelberg Materials Cement Sweden AB and the industrial research school at Umeå University.
Qualifications To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas, or equivalent qualifications.
To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in energy technology with a focus on thermal process chemistry, the applicant is required to have completed course requirements of at least 120 credits in the field of the doctoral program or other subject areas considered to be relevant for third-cycle studies. The requirements for prior knowledge as set out above are also considered to be fulfilled by a person who otherwise within or acquired equivalent knowledge abroad and which can be proven.
The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission to postgraduate education and need not be met at the time of application.
We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented candidate who has the ability to work primarily on experimental tasks, both independently and in collaboration with a research group. The successful applicant must also have a strong interest in developing directly applicable knowledge within the project’s subject. Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written is required.
The applicant should have acquired knowledge through higher education in energy technology relevant to the field of the doctoral program. Knowledge about inorganic high-temperature chemistry, processes for the production of cement clinker, as well as characterization of product properties is highly meritorious.
It is highly meritorious if the applicant has knowledge of relevant analytical methods for doctoral education, especially SEM-EDS, XRD, TGA, ICC, and PSA. The applicant should also have industrial experience with thermal processes. Experience in equilibrium chemical calculations, experimental design, and multivariate data analysis is also desirable.
Terms of employment The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be active in research, study doctoral courses, and possibly participate in teaching courses at undergraduate level (up to 20%).
The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years in case teaching and/ or other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students at Umeå University.
Application Your application should include the following:
A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, and your contact details (max. 2 pages)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Copies of relevant degree diploma(s) and certificates
A list of university courses with grades (transcripts). Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
Copy of Master thesis and publications (if any)
Contact information of two reference persons
The application, including attached documents, must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system Varbi. Application closing date is April 2, 2025. Starting date: 1st of May, 2025 or by agreement.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
