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 Energy Processes a part of Chemical Engineering and Technology. The research at Energy Processes is primarily conducted in the areas of analysis and development of energy processes and systems for different applications in industry and society, such as buildings, transportation and heat, material, and power generation.

Assignment

The employment will be carried out in the research area of renewable energy: photovoltaic (PV) for irrigation for grassland conservation. The research will be conducted in the specific project, Demonstration and Scale-Up of Photovoltaic Solar Water Pumping for the Conservation of Grassland and Farmland in China.

This project consists of the development and demonstration of a prototype of integrated photovoltaic (PV) water pumping technology for grassland and farmland conservation with sustainable water resource management. The goal is to scale up the technique ant that includes, laboratory tests, field studies, system simulations, and in-depth analysis. A PV water pumping system will be installed in a selected site based on solar energy, water resource, and land conditions. Engineering design and modification of key components such as PV, water pump, and irrigation pipes techniques will be conducted. The grass productivity and other products of high economic value will be investigated. Environmental and social benefits will be assessed and policy and institutional issues will also be addressed. The results will provide a technically robust and economically viable system and a business model for commercial scale-up in real applications.

In addition to technical reports, the results will also be presented at meetings, seminars, conferences and scientific journals.

The employment includes collaboration and co-production with the surrounding businesses, research colleagues and other stakeholders. Energy companies and plant suppliers are especially important.

The engagement is a fixed term employment corresponding to 2,5 years of full time studies, i.e. the financing is covering the study period until the degree of Teknologie licentiate is reached. Further studied is dependent on additional funding.

Qualifications

A Master degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or other relevant master degree is required. The applicant should have the capability to communicate in Swedish and 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 mandatory.

Advantageous for the employment is:

• Experience of teaching at university level within energy processes
• Previous studies on measuring technology and interactions between customers and suppliers within the energy area. Knowledge about electric power, energy technology and solar power.
• Ability in Mandarin

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 2012-03-05.

Please indicate the reference number K-2012-0063 in the e-mail subject.

Contact

Jinyue Yan, professor
Phone: +46 8 790 65 28
jinyue@kth.se

Per Alvfors, professor
Phone: +46 8 790 65 26
alvfors@kth.se

Trade Union representative

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