Doctoral student in methods for fuel cell performance prediction - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Chemical Science and Engineering

The electrification of the transport sector is rapidly developing. For larger energy-demanding vehicles, a fuel cell in the powertrain is necessary to meet customer’s requirements for refueling time and driving range. To be able to quickly and efficiently predict performance early in the development phase of the fuel cell stack, reliable methods and models are desired. While the performance contribution from the electrodes and the membrane (CCM) is quite predictable today, more knowledge is needed about the complex influence of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in combination with the flow field under different operating conditions.

The focus of the doctoral project is to develop methodology to study and optimize mass transport, during compression under different operating conditions, with material and electrochemical characterization and through the development of a 2D modeling tool. The model should ultimately be able to predict the performance of a specific CCM - GDL flow field combination. The modeling method is expected not only to specify important GDL requirements, but also to provide important parameters for the development of future flow field geometries.
The project is supported by the Swedish Electromobility Center and will be carried out in close collaboration between KTH and PowerCell (Leading fuel cell company in Gothenburg) and at both locations.

Supervision: The doctoral student will be supervised by: Assoc. Prof. Rakel Wreland Lindström, Prof. Göran Lindbergh, KTH and Dr. Lisa Kylhammar, Powercell.  

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.Read more
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Eligibility
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
• Requirements for English equivalent to English B/6, read more here.
• The applicant should have a Master of Science or Engineer degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering physics (engineering science), physical chemistry or a related field.

Selection
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English are required. Knowledge in Swedish and/or German language is an advantage. Good background knowledge in electrochemistry is an advantage but not a must.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Union representatives
You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application
Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information
Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.