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 about 100 employees and conducts research in areas such as energy technology, laser spectroscopy, medical technology, and electronics and systems engineering. The Department is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to perform research involving sampling and detailed characterization of lime and cement clinker products from electrified manufacturing processes. The position is full-time for two years, starting on May 1, 2025, or as agreed.
Project Description and Tasks The project's aim is to contribute to sustainable production of cement clinker and quicklime. Specifically, electrified manufacturing processes will be studied, aiming for a concentrated process gas suitable for carbon capture and utilization or storage.
We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will work on sampling and analysis of products from several pilot-scale facilities across Europe. The characterization includes all conventional methods for product quality, and detailed studies to understand the connection between the new process conditions and the resulting product quality.
The work involves planning and conducting precise sampling, sample preparation, and analysis of products from three different pilot-scale facilities for the electrified production of cement clinker and burnt lime. The facilities are located in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
The tasks include carefully planning the work so that fresh representative samples are immediately sent to the respective analysis, leading the analysis work, and taking responsibility for data quality. The work also includes compiling data and evaluating information, participating in project meetings, and leading the work to publish results.
Qualifications To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area
Additional requirements:
The doctoral degree should be in the field of energy technology with a focus on thermal process chemistry, chemical engineering, or an equivalent area relevant to the project.
Documented laboratory experience with high-temperature experiments and materials relevant to the project.
Ability to independently plan and conduct research projects relevant to the position.
Experience with research projects involving external partners, and good communication skills in English, both spoken and written. Basic communication skills in Swedish are also required.
Highly meritorious:
Documented experience in research on various aspects of lime burning.
Good knowledge about different quality measures for lime products, and experience in research on underlying mechanisms.
Experience from research using the following methods:
Calcination of carbonate rock raw material on a lab scale.
Characterization of the mechanical strength of the product from burning.
Imaging and determination of chemical composition with SEM-EDX.
Statistical processing with multivariate data analysis.
Deep understanding of analysis data from XRF, XRD, BET, ICPMS, LA-ICPMS.
Additionally meritorious:
Being well acquainted with safety aspects specific to the work (high temperatures and CaO-based materials).
Having experience in presenting and publishing research results based on the above methods.
Having extensive experience in collaborating with colleagues from both industry and academia.
Application
A complete application should include:
Cover letter,
Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications,
Certified copy of the doctoral degree certificate or documentation confirming when the doctoral degree is expected to be obtained,
Certified copies of other degree certificates, academic course certificates, and/or grades,
Copy of the doctoral thesis and a maximum of 2 relevant articles,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to,
References will be provided during the interview if applicable.
The application should be written in English or Swedish. Applications are submitted through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically should be in Word or PDF formats. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The application deadline is April 2, 2025. For further information, contact Professor Markus Broström at markus.brostrom@umu.se
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.
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