PhD Position in Solar thermal energy production at UMU, Sweden

 

PhD position in Energy Technology – Solar thermal energy production

Deadline :  August 5th 2022

We are recruiting a PhD student in Energy Technology with a focus on solar thermal energy production at Umeå university Starting date is negotiable but we expect that the PhD student can join the group sometime between September and November 2022. 

PhD Project Description

Solar energy is an important renewable energy resource that can be used for different thermal applications such as space and water heating in residential buildings. To integrate solar energy in district heating systems (DHSs) medium-high temperatures are needed that could be achieved with a concentrating solar thermal collector even in high latitude regions such as the Nordic countries. Such integration could contribute to decarbonizing our society by replacing biomass- and fossil-based energy resources in the Swedish DHS and to enhance energy security. The scope of this call for new PhD students is to use system approach to investigate the environmental effects and the economic effects of integrated solar thermal in the Swedish DHSs.

The doctoral student will get an opportunity to participate in experiments/trials, both at local laboratories and at full-scale heat production facilities. The student will have to develop and implement numerical simulation tools to analyse the integration of solar thermal in district heating networks considering different conditions such as heat production technologies, scales of heat production, type of fuels, and climates. Collaboration with project partners is an important aspect of the project.

Qualifications Required

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 specialisation in energy efficiency or energy technology with specialisation in thermal process chemistry, the applicant is required to have completed course requirements of at least 120 credits within the field of energy technology, closely related areas of application or other subject areas considered to be directly relevant for third-cycle studies. Applicants who in some other system, either within Sweden or abroad, have acquired largely equivalent knowledge are also eligible. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission to postgraduate education and need not be met at the time of application.

As a PhD student, the applicant should have the ability to work systematically, thoroughly and independently, as well as in collaboration with others. Further, the applicant must be familiar with theoretical engineering science tools and have good working knowledge of the research area. The planned work requires an analytical and creative mind.

The applicant should be proficient user in both oral and written dissemination in English. Documented knowledge and/experience in solar thermal energy topics is strongly meriting. Courses and documented experience of working with energy simulations and statistical methods are merits.

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 of courses at undergraduate level. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching or other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå University.

Application

Your application should include the following:

1.     A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, and your contact details (max. 2 pages)

2.     Curriculum vitae.

3.     Authenticated copies of relevant degree diploma(s) and certificates.

4.     A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.

5.     A copy of master thesis and publications (if any).

6.     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. 

Information

For more information contact:

Professor Thomas Olofsson, 090-786 67 10, thomas.olofsson@umu.se or

Associate Professor Gireesh Nair, 090-786 88 04, gireesh.nair@umu.se

They are looking forward to receive your application!

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