Vacant job

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of over 2.3 billion SEK. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.

The Department of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology invites candidates interested in research within construction materials, with a focus on the design and structuring of advanced sorbent materials for environmental and gas purification applications. The research subject "Construction Materials" has ongoing research programs spanning broad research areas within metallic and ceramic materials (high-temperature intermetallics, space materials, high-strength steels, porous ceramic materials, and materials intended for energy recovery). The department is part of the Division of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, which also includes several other research subjects with activities in materials technology, such as material mechanics and machine elements. In the educational programs, the two main programs with an international profile are important for the division, namely the Civil Engineering program EEIGM and the Master's program AMASE. Within these programs, many students perform project work and thesis projects in projects linked to our research. The research subject Construction Materials consists of five senior researchers, two technicians, and nine doctoral students.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT

Materials technology covers the composition, structure, properties, and production of materials, primarily metallic and ceramic materials, as well as their application aspects.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The doctoral student will focus on the development of structured sorbent systems and additive manufacturing methods for industrial applications in the capture of NOx and SOx. The work involves formulating printable sorbent inks and pastes with controlled rheological properties, integrating functional nanoparticles for induction-assisted regeneration, and manufacturing structured adsorbent geometries using advanced manufacturing techniques. The student will investigate how structural design, porosity, and mass transport properties affect adsorption performance, pressure drop, heat management, and cyclic stability under humid process conditions. The project will also include scaling up, process integration, and evaluation of structured sorbents in pilot-scale systems relevant to flue gas streams from acid plants and greenhouse-based combined heat and power systems. The project has been granted funding within the EIC Pathfinder Challenges for converting waste into value creation.

DUTIES

As a doctoral student, you are responsible for defining your daily tasks and how they are to be performed. You will act and train as a project manager in combination with your own development. Participation in other projects and teaching will amount to up to 20 percent of your time.

QUALIFICATIONS

The applicant should have a Master's degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering, as well as good knowledge and experience of sorption, catalysts and their characterization, and shaping of sorbents and catalysts. The applicant must have very good ability to express themselves orally and in writing in English. Experience in process technology, porous materials, and synthetic chemistry is meritorious.

INFORMATION

Employment as a doctoral student is time-limited to 4 years; teaching and other institutional duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. The doctoral position is at the Division of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Materials Science. The location is Luleå.

For further information, contact:

Professor Farid Akhtar, +46 920-49 1793 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Professor Alberto Vomiero, +46 920-49 3139 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, +46 920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, +46 920-49 1722 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Luleå University of Technology works actively with equality and diversity to contribute to a creative study and work environment. The university's value basis is built on respect, openness, cooperation, trust, and responsibility.

APPLICATION

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Last day of application: 2026-08-09

Reference number: 3887-2026