Doctoral student in Energy Sciences – focus on compressible reacting flow Full-time

Doctoral Student in Energy Sciences – Focus on Compressible Reacting Flow

Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Department of Energy Sciences

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

Description of the Workplace

The position is located at the Division of Heat Transfer at the Department of Energy Sciences. At the division, we mostly focus our research and education on subjects related to energy generation, conversion, and utilization. This includes both applied topics directly such as engines and batteries, and fundamental topics in heat transfer and fluid mechanics. In particular, we focus on improved understanding of turbulent reactive flows, multiphase flows, and novel fuels. In recent years we have been involved in several projects on high-speed combustion for civil aviation, and the present position partially builds on that effort.

Approximately 25 colleagues work at the division today, including 15 PhD students. On the international level we collaborate with universities and institutes in Europe, Asia, and North America. We are also coordinating two competence national centers, AdTherM and CESTAP, focused on heat transfer in industrial applications, and sustainable aviation fuels, respectively. Our premises are in the newly renovated M-building on LTH's campus in Lund. More information about the Division of Heat Transfer can be found here.

The student will also be in close collaboration with the Department of Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences, which is located in Ljungbyhed. This department is dedicated to advancing safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation through high-quality research and education. The department works closely with industry partners to develop innovative technologies, improve air transport systems, and prepare future aviation professionals. Its focus areas include aeronautical engineering, flight operations, aviation safety, and environmental sustainability.

Project Description

The position is part of a project financed by the Swedish Energy Agency. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Energy Sciences, the Department of Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences, and Siemens Energy AB. The project is a feasibility study for bio-fuels in rotating detonation engines with the goal of the project is to design a lab-scale combustor for this purpose which can eventually be built in our lab. The project will involve one PhD student, one post-doc, two senior researchers, and industrial partners from Siemens Energy AB.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The main task for a doctoral student is to devote yourself to your doctoral studies, therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. You will work on the design of a rotating detonation combustor. Your main responsibility will be to evaluate design and sizing of the combustion chamber and injector system, but you may also be involved in other aspects of the design. Your work will rely heavily on models and simulation tools, both reduced-order models and 2D/3D computational fluid dynamics. Occasional lab work may also be included. You will also travel nationally and internationally to present your work at conferences and to collaborate.

The duties include teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of working hours.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• a second-cycle degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the second-cycle level, or in some other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.
• good ability to utilize the doctoral studies
• an MSc in engineering, e.g., mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, engineering mathematics, engineering physics, aerospace engineering or similar
• knowledge of compressible flow, CFD and CAD
• very good oral and written proficiency in English

Merits for the position are:

• priority will be given to applicants who have graduated no more than three years before the closing date for applications
• knowledge of detonations or high-speed combustion
• experience with simulations of compressible flow and/or reacting flow
• good analytical and mathematical skills
• good oral and written proficiency in Swedish
• being self-motivated, creative, and collaborative is an advantage

Great emphasis will be placed on how the applicant, through his/her experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral studies.

What We Offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension. As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and employed, which gives you several benefits. Read more about being admitted and employed at the university's website.

Find out more on the University website about working with us.

About the Employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment for a total of four years, 100% with start date on 2026-10-01 or as agreed. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on site in Lund. Rules and regulations concerning employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Provisions regarding admission to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 6, Section 3 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website.

Other Information

A first round of interviews will be conducted starting in August.

How to Apply

You apply for the position via the university's recruitment system. Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, etc.).