About the position

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in “Waste as feed to a biomass gasification reactor” from 01.01.2020.

The position is at the Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Porsgrunn.

About the PhD-project

The need for advanced biofuels is emphasised at both the national and international level. Gasification of biomass in fluidized bed reactors is the first step in production of biofuels from biomass, and is a promising technology. The challenge has been to operate the gasification process in an economically acceptable way. In order to reduce costs and thus increase the possibility for the technology to be used in Norway, it is important to focus on waste from forestry, agriculture and household as the raw material to the gasifier. This will reduce the operating costs and thus make biofuels more competitive for the transport sector. The aim of this project is to develop a CFD model to predict the effect of using biomass waste as feed to a gasification reactor. Several experimental gasification tests have to be carried out, and the CFD model will be based on experimental findings.

Appointment is for a minimum period of three years or a possible extension for a total term of four years wich would then include 25% of other duties per year .

Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree or equivalent higher education qualifications in Process Technology or Energy and Environmental Technology. The applicant must have gained the degree within the application deadline. Qualified applicants must have an average grade of B or better.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in “Process, Energy and Automation Engingeering”.

Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.

Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

A significant- part of the position will be to operate a biomass gasifier, and experience in operation of a lab-scale or pilot-scale reactor and good knowledge about gasification of biomass are required. The position will include analysis of biomass and synthesis gas, and knowledge and experience in instrumental analysis is an advantage. In addition, experience in using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), will be highly appreciated. The successful candidate should also master written and oral English, and have skills for independent work and work in team with scientists and students.

We offer

• A professionally stimulating working environment.
• Good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
• A good social environment
• Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan
• Opportunity for physical activities within working hours

Salary

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 479 600 a year. Further promotion will be based on service in the position. In special cases, employment in code 1378 may be considered. Salary NOK 479600 – 600 200 a year. A statutory contribution will be made from the employee’s salary to the state pension plan.

Other information

Appointment to the position will be carried out by The Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellows. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews.

The successful applicant must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply to the position.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

There are few women employed in research positions at the Department, and consequently women are especially encouraged to apply.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information act § 25 2 paragraph, information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, even though the applicant has requested non-disclosure. The applicant will be informed if his/her request has been declined.

Contact information

For further information concerning the position please contact Professor Britt Moldestad, phone no. +47 35 57 52 15, email: britt.moldestad@usn.no at at Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences/Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology.

How to apply

University of South-Eastern Norway uses online applications. We therefore ask applicants to register their application and CV online by clicking on the “Send application” link to the right. The application must include the following documents:

• Certified diplomas and certificates from university college/university
• Master’s thesis
• Any scientific publications and a list of these
• Three references (contact information)

Please note that all documents must be translated into English or a Scandinavian language by an authorized translator.

Send application