Vacant job

Department of Energy Technology

PhD Subject: Technology

Description of the PhD Project:

Biogas is traditionally produced through the anaerobic digestion of biodegradable biomass and plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. To increase biogas production and meet the growing demand within the transport and industrial sectors, there is a need to utilize feedstocks that are difficult to convert biologically, such as forest residues. A promising method is the biomethanation of syngas produced through the thermal gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Integrating syngas biomethanation with conventional anaerobic digestion offers several advantages, including increased gas flow that enables more cost-effective liquefaction of biomethane and improved heat management. Furthermore, the addition of external green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis within the framework of carbon capture and utilization (CCU), can further increase methane production and facilitate the upgrading of the produced gas.

Responsibilities:

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to work on the design and evaluation of various system scenarios for biomethane production. The research involves modeling and simulation from feedstock supply and thermal gasification to biomethane production. The system scenarios will include the integration of syngas biomethanation with conventional biogas plants based on anaerobic digestion, as well as the supply of external hydrogen. The aim is to evaluate energy balance, climate impact, and techno-economic performance. The candidate is expected to read and critically review scientific literature in English, as well as publish and present research results in scientific journals and at conferences. The PhD student will also participate in doctoral education courses and contribute to the department's activities.

The successful candidate will become part of the national interdisciplinary excellence center Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Within BSRC, new and relevant knowledge is created through collaboration between different scientific disciplines as well as between researchers and actors from industry and the public sector. BSRC comprises researchers and support from two universities – Linköping University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) – as well as approximately 50 private and public organizations representing the entire biogas value chain. The center is also funded with support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility to be admitted to the PhD program in Technology is granted to those with knowledge corresponding to at least 90 higher education credits in courses in technology-relevant subjects. These must include an independent project and at least 30 higher education credits must be at an advanced level. For others, special eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis considering the research task.

Additionally, you are required to have English skills equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your Background:

Qualification Requirements

• Degree at an advanced level (Master's or Civil Engineer degree) in energy systems, energy technology, or a related field.
• Documented knowledge and experience in computer programming and modeling.
• Very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Meritorious Qualifications

• Knowledge of biomass conversion technologies.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
• Experience with techno-economic analysis.
• Experience with scientific writing and scientific communication.
• Knowledge of the Swedish energy system.
• Ability to communicate in Swedish.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as good teamwork skills, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, motivation, and the ability to work independently.

About Us:

The Department of Energy Technology at the Centre for Climate and Sustainability (MVM) offers an stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Our bioenergy research focuses on studies of technical solutions and systems related to how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for the production of fuels, electricity, and heat. The department and the involved researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/).

Employment Type and Salary:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education).

The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start Date:

As agreed, but no later than December 2026.

Application and Selection:

Apply via the button below by 2026-09-10.

Read more about the attachments your application must include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/)

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and should take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union Representatives

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)