KTH in Stockholm is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. No less than one-third of Sweden's technical research and engineering education capacity at university level is provided by KTH. Education and research spans from natural sciences to all branches of engineering and includes architecture, industrial management and urban planning. There are a total of just over 15,000 first and second level students and more than 1,600 doctoral students. KTH has almost 4,300 employees.

The School of Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Fibre and Polymer technology. It encompasses both fundamental and applied chemical sciences and seeks sustainable development through scientific excellence. Many research activities are interdisciplinary across the borders from chemistry to materials science, environmental science, biochemistry, biology and medicine. The School offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Science and Engineering, Higher Education Diploma in Chemical Engineering and three international Master programs Chemical Engineering for Energy and the Environment, Macromolecular Materials and Molecular Science and Engineering. We cooperate also with the Master programs Energy and Environment, Materials design and Biotechnology.

The PhD student position is located at Applied Electrochemistry, a part of Chemical Engineering and Technology. The research at Applied Electrochemistry is directed towards electrolytic processes and electrochemical power sources within the field of electrochemical engineering. A common theme in different research projects is the development and application of porous electrode theories for battery electrodes and gas diffusion fuel cells electrodes. Experimental studies of electrode kinetics and mass transfer to electrode surfaces are other important and frequent activities in the research programme.

Assignment

PhD student in chemical engineering in the field of applied electrochemistry

The graduate student will work in the field of fuel cells. Fuel cells are converting the chemical energy in a fuel into electric energy, and the possibility to reverse that process has attracted a lot of interest recently. Reversible fuel cells combine both processes, making interesting applications such as energy storage and production of fuels possible.

In the present project fuel cells operating at high temperatures, with molten carbonate and/or composite electrolytes, will be in focus. The study aims at increasing the knowledge about both the electrode reactions and the mass transfer processes in these systems. The PhD student will work with experimental methods, as well as with mathematical modelling. Also non-electrochemical methods may be used when studying the electrochemical processes.

The research findings will be presented at international conferences and in scientific journals.

Qualifications

A Master degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, applied physics or other relevant master degree is required. The applicant should have the capability to communicate in English, be able to work independently as well as in a team, and be able to take initiatives and to drive the research project. Since education at undergraduate level (BSc), in the form of laboratory supervision and lessons, may be part of the services, an ability to communicate in Swedish is a merit.

Employment

Form of employment: time limited  ?
Work time: full time ?
Salary: According to KTH regulations for PhD students ?
Starting date: according to agreement ?
Number of positions: 1

Application

The application should include a personal letter where the applicant describes her-/himself, her/his background and interests. A CV and copies of relevant academic/work experience should be enclosed and also official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate as well as published articles.

Application should be sent by e-mail to: britt@ket.kth.se

Last day to apply is 5th of March 2012.
Please indicate the reference number K-2012-0071 in the e-mail subject.

Contact

Carina Lagergren, associate professor
Phone: +46 8 790 65 07
carina.lagergren@ket.kth.se

Göran Lindbergh, professor
Phone: + 46 8 790 81 43
goeran.lindbergh@ket.kth.se

Trade Union representative

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: + 46 8 790 70 58
lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se