Doctoral student (PhD student) in Energy Sciences with focus on hydrogen combustion

Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Energy Sciences

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has 40 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

The Division of Combustion Engines is a world leading engine research facility focused on engine control, alternative fuels, novel combustion concepts, and fundamental studies in optically accessible engines. It hosts a state-of-the-art engine lab with 13 test cells, and about 20 employees of which about 10 are PhD students. The engine research cluster in Lund involves staff from Combustion Physics, Fluid Mechanics, Automatic Control and Heat Transfer, totalling more than 50 scientists.

Project description
The project focuses on internal combustion engines powered by renewable hydrogen. Such engines have the potential to combine energy efficiency and climate neutrality with zero emissions of harmful substances. Besides reducing the future great need for batteries in the transport sector, these engines can become especially important for reaching the climate targets of long-range, heavy transports that are difficult to electrify.

The research will be carried out in optically accessible research engines, which enable studies of in-cylinder processes by high-speed filming and other optical techniques. The aim of the project is to explore the potential of direct injection hydrogen engines and to generate experimental data on the mixing, ignition, and combustion processes of hydrogen. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Volvo trucks, Scania, and the ignition system developer SEM.

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20 %).

Since the research is carried out in close collaboration with a PhD student specialized in laser-based diagnostics, expertise in optics is not required. We mainly seek candidates interested in working experimentally to understand engine processes. As a PhD student, you are working under great individual responsibility and are building skills that are in demand, not only within your research subject but also in project management, scientific methodology and other general competencies.

Admission requirements 
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Energy Sciences if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in the subject of the third-cycle programme, of which at least 60 credits from second-cycle courses of relevance to the subject, and 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project of relevance to the subject.
• a Master’s degree of relevance to the field.

Additional requirements: 

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:  

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment critera: 

• documented knowledge of internal combustion engines.
• practical problem solving skills
• knowledge of image analysis

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply 
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). 

You are also asked to answer the job specific question. 

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.