Department of Energy and Technology
Doctoral Subject: Technology
Project Description:
Biomethane is traditionally produced through anaerobic digestion of biodegradable biomass and plays an important role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and limiting climate change. To increase biomethane production and meet growing demand in the transport and industrial sectors, there is a need to utilize raw materials that are difficult to convert biologically, such as forest residues. A promising method is biomethane production from syngas generated through thermal gasification of lignocellulose-based biomass. Integrating biomethane production from syngas with conventional anaerobic digestion offers several advantages, including increased gas flow that enables more cost-effective liquefaction of biomethane and improved heat management. Additionally, the supply of external green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis within the framework of carbon capture and utilization (CCU), can further increase methane production and facilitate upgrading of the produced gas.
Duties:
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate who wants to work on the design and evaluation of different system scenarios for biomethane production. The research will involve modeling and simulation from feedstock supply and thermal gasification to biomethane production. The system scenarios will include integration of biomethane production from syngas with conventional biogas plants based on anaerobic digestion as well as supply of external hydrogen. The objective is to evaluate energy balance, climate impact, and techno-economic performance. The candidate is expected to read and critically review scientific literature in English and to publish and present research results in scientific journals and at conferences. The PhD candidate will also participate in doctoral training courses and contribute to departmental activities.
The hired person will be part of the national interdisciplinary center of excellence, Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Within BSRC, new and relevant knowledge is created through collaboration between different scientific disciplines and between researchers and actors from industry and the public sector. BSRC encompasses researchers and support from two universities – Linköping University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) – as well as approximately 50 private and public organizations representing the entire biogas system value chain. The center is also financed with support from the Swedish Energy Agency.
Qualifications:
Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).
Specific eligibility for admission to doctoral education in the subject of Technology is held by those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in courses in technology-relevant subjects. These must include an independent work and at least 30 credits must be at an advanced level. For others, specific eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis with regard to the research task.
Furthermore, you must have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.
Your Background:
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree (civil engineer or master's degree) in energy systems, energy technology, or a related field
- Documented knowledge and experience in data programming and modeling
- Excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing
Meritorious Qualifications
- Knowledge of biomass conversion techniques
- Experience with Python programming
- Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA)
- Experience with techno-economic analysis
- Experience with scientific writing and scientific communication
- Knowledge of the Swedish energy system
- Ability to communicate in Swedish
Great weight will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, motivation, and the ability to work independently.
About Us:
The Department of Energy and Technology at the Center for Soil, Water and Environment (MVM) offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Our bioenergy research focuses on studies of technical solutions and systems related to how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for the production of fuels, electricity, and heat. The department and the involved researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.
More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik/
Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/
Read more about SLU's doctoral education: http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/
Employment Form and Salary:
Employment as a PhD candidate (4-year training program).
The salary for the PhD candidate position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.
Extent:
100%
Location:
Uppsala
Start Date:
By agreement, but no later than December 2026.
Application and Selection:
Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by September 10, 2026.
Read more about the attachments your application should include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/
Selection among eligible applicants will be made based on the attachments submitted with the application and shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the training within the allotted time.
Trade Union Contact Persons
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/Department of Energy and Technology
Doctoral Subject: Technology
Project Description:
Biomethane is traditionally produced through anaerobic digestion of biodegradable biomass and plays an important role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and limiting climate change. To increase biomethane production and meet growing demand in the transport and industrial sectors, there is a need to utilize raw materials that are difficult to convert biologically, such as forest residues. A promising method is biomethane production from syngas generated through thermal gasification of…