PhD Student in Energy Engineering

Luleå Tekniska Universitet · Vollzeit

Luleå, Schweden

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and space to grow, both as a researcher and as a person. The Department of Energy Science is seeking you to pursue a doctorate in the field of energy engineering. Your research will focus on modeling and analysis of sustainable forest-based fuels for gas turbines, and their possible role(s) in the transition to a fossil-free energy system. Energy Engineering is located at the Department of Energy Science at the School of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, which is a subject-wise broad institution with many successful research groups and recognized educational programs. Within Energy Engineering, we have close collaboration with industries and authorities in both research projects and student projects. The research is of high international quality and we collaborate with researchers worldwide. Within the field of energy systems analysis, research is directed toward the transition to a sustainable future, which includes studies related to new technologies, process integration and policy instruments, as well as overarching energy system aspects at local, national and supranational levels. We collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner with several social science subjects. The work will be based on the IEA-ETSAP TIMES model framework. The TIMES group has a good national and international reputation and is a sought-after partner in both academic and public contexts. The group focuses on energy system optimization, applied systems analysis, scenario analysis, sustainable energy and climate transition. Subject Description Energy Engineering encompasses the development of technology and processes for a sustainable energy supply. Research is directed toward biofuel technology and energy-efficient use in industry and society. Project Description The doctoral project is part of phase 2 of the national competence center CESTAP (Competence cEntre in Sustainable Turbine Fuels for Aviation and Power), which is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, academia and industry actors. The work will explore various possible roles for sustainable forest-based fuels for gas turbines in mobile (primarily aviation) and stationary (for electricity production) applications. The analyses will be based on an energy system perspective that also considers developments in other parts of the energy system, society's future energy and electricity needs, established climate and other environmental goals, various resource constraints, etc. The doctoral student's role is to develop a module for the existing TIMES-Sweden model, which will then be used to analyze various raw materials, fuel production pathways and turbine applications, with the goal of identifying cost-effective pathways to a future fossil-free and resource-efficient Swedish energy system. Work Tasks A doctoral position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work by publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting research results at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try your hand at teaching (departmental service). Work in this doctoral position includes, among other things: Collecting and analyzing relevant data and information, Developing and using TIMES-based models, Scenario analysis and communicating results from these, Writing scientific articles and reports, Scientific research presentations both nationally and internationally, Participation in seminar activities within the department and research group, and Supporting less experienced TIMES modelers (during the latter part of the doctoral position). Departmental service includes, for example, responsibility for elements in the courses Sustainable Energy Systems and Environmental Systems Analysis as well as assisting with supervision of student projects within the Master's Programme in Energy Engineering. Qualifications For eligibility, a Master's degree in Engineering, or equivalent basic eligibility requirements according to the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 7 Section 39, with a focus on environment and energy, engineering physics, industrial economics or equivalent is required. Since the research is highly communicative, good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English is required, both with researchers from different disciplines and with industry and societal actors. Qualifying for this position are: Good understanding of energy systems and their development, particularly at the national level. Knowledge and skills in energy engineering. Basic understanding of modeling and quantitative analysis methods. Ability to formulate, manage and analyze scientific problems. Meriting for this position are: Experience with energy systems modeling, particularly at the national level. Experience with optimization models and/or other quantitative modeling methods. Experience with scenario analysis linked to climate goals, environmental goals or energy transition. Documented knowledge of sustainable energy transition. Ability to understand Swedish and make yourself understood in conversation in Swedish, as some information is only available in Swedish and parts of knowledge exchange take place in Swedish contexts and with Swedish actors. For further information on specific doctoral education, see: Study plans for research education within the School of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. Information Doctoral studies are conducted full-time for 4 years and include participation in courses at Luleå University of Technology and possibly at other universities, as well as presentation of your research internationally. Departmental service up to 20% of full-time may be added. The place of work is Luleå. Start according to agreement, but no earlier than 2027-01-01. For each position, a preliminary salary range is provided based on the position's requirements, responsibilities and market conditions. For further information, please contact: Anna Krook-Riekkola, Professor, 0920–492552 [email protected] Application We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter as well as CV/list of qualifications, copies of verified diplomas, and your answers to the questions you find in the attached document. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Application Deadline: October 14, 2026 Reference Number: 3982–2026