Doctoral student in chemical engineering for recycling of magnets - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Chemical Engineering

In order to drive the transition to a climate-neutral economy, a sustainable and secure supply of a number of technically important metals is needed. These metals are necessary for large-scale production and storage of renewable energy, and to ensure continued electrification of the vehicle fleet. However, key metals such as rare earth elements and cobalt have been classified by the EU as "critical raw materials" (CRM). To meet Europe's needs for CRM, recycling has been put forward as a key strategy alongside primary mining and substitution. There is thus a great need to develop new efficient recycling processes. The goal of this project is to develop a recycling process based on antisolvent crystallization. The project is part of a larger European research project focused on the recycling of critical rare earth elements from permanent magnets found in, for example, electric vehicles, wind turbines and a variety of consumer electronics (including smart phones and laptops). The work focuses both on developing a basic scientific understanding of the process and on achieving results of industrial relevance. The doctoral student will have regular contact with other researchers active in the project at KTH as well as at KU Leuven in Belgium and Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia. The doctoral student is expected to be able to work both independently and together with colleagues within Sweden and internationally.

We are looking for a person with documented knowledge in chemical engineering and with an interest in developing their knowledge in the field of crystallization. The position involves doctoral studies and up to 20% teaching in chemical engineering courses.

The start date is open for discussion, but we would like the position to be filled no later than the first of February 2021. The project is funded by Vinnova within the European research program ERAMIN2.

Supervision: The doctoral student will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Kerstin Forsberg and Assoc. Prof. Michael Svärd

What we offer

• An inspiring doctoral project with the opportunity to contribute in developing a more sustainable and climate-smart society.
• 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.
• Special eligibility is education at advanced level in chemical engineering or a related subject
• Requirements for English equivalent to English B/6, read more here.

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
• express themselves in speech and writing in English.

Furthermore, knowledge in separation processes, in particular crystallization, is a merit. Strong expertise in laboratory work is also a merit.​ 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

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and  a given part of our values.

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

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

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