Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Physics and Electronics

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality programs and world-leading research across several scientific fields, including the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and significant green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a transforming society. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. This is where the future is created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more here (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/).

Project Description and Responsibilities

The purpose of the project is to contribute to sustainable production of cement clinker and burnt lime. The path to this is through the electrification of manufacturing processes to obtain a concentrated process gas suitable for carbon dioxide 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 will include all conventional methods for product quality and detailed studies to understand the link between the new process conditions and resulting product quality.

The work consists of planning and conducting careful sampling, sample preparation, and analysis of products from three different pilot-scale facilities for electrified production of cement clinker and burnt lime. The facilities are located in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

The responsibilities include carefully planning the work so that fresh representative samples are immediately sent for analysis, as well as leading the analysis work and taking responsibility for quality. The work also involves compiling data and evaluating information, participating in project meetings, and leading the effort to publish results.

Qualifications

To be employed under the fixed-term postdoctoral agreement, a completed doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled by the time the employment decision is made.

To be employed under the postdoctoral agreement, the candidate should primarily be someone who has obtained their degree as mentioned above within the last three years. If there are special reasons, someone who obtained their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, union duties, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

Additionally, the following is required:

• The doctoral degree must be in energy technology with a focus on thermal process chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field relevant to the project.
• Documented laboratory experience with experiments at high temperatures, as well as with materials relevant to the project.
• Ability to independently plan and conduct research projects relevant to the position.
• Experience with research projects involving external partners, as well as good communication skills in English, both spoken and written. Basic communication skills in Swedish are also required.

Strongly meritorious is:

• Documented experience in research on various aspects of lime burning.
• Good familiarity with various quality measures for lime products, as well as experience in research on underlying mechanisms.
• Experience from research using the following methods:
• Calcination of limestone raw material in laboratory scale.
• Characterization of mechanical strength of products from burning.
• Imaging and determination of chemical composition with SEM-EDX.
• Statistical processing with multivariate data analysis.
• Deep understanding of analytical data from XRF, XRD, BET, ICPMS, LA-ICPMS.

Additionally, it is meritorious to:

• Be well acquainted with safety aspects specific to the work (high temperatures and CaO-based materials).
• Have experience presenting and publishing research results based on the above methods.
• Have extensive experience collaborating with colleagues from both industry and academia.

Application

A complete application must include:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae - CV with publication list.
• Certified copy of the doctoral degree certificate or documentation supporting when the doctoral degree is expected to be obtained.
• Certified copies of other degree certificates, academic course certificates, and/or transcripts.
• Copy of the doctoral thesis and a maximum of 2 relevant articles.
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to invoke.
• References will be provided during the interview.

The application should be written in English or Swedish. Applications are made through our electronic recruitment system Varbi. Documents sent electronically should be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page.

The deadline for applications is 2025-04-02. For further information, please contact Professor Markus Broström at markus.brostrom@umu.se (mailto:markus.brostrom@umu.se).

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University aims to provide an equal and inclusive environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

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