PhD student position in energy and environment: System analytical modelling and assessment of design, viability and potential of plug-in hybrids, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

June 28, 2010

Sponsored Links

Career Blog

The Wisconsin Idea Scholarship, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Online Distance Learning Courses for International Students

The Department of Energy and Environment conducts superior research and education in energy and sustainable development, at the global scale down to the industrial, building, and product level. Our focus is on experimental and theoretical energy technology research, as well as development, use, and evaluation of methods and tools for analysis of technology systems. In total, 150 individuals work in the department’s six divisions.

The doctoral position is in the Physical Resource Theory division. Physical Resource Theory encompasses theories, models, and methods to describe the metabolism of energy and materials in social and natural systems, in physical and economics terms. For instance, we develop models to characterize how current and future use of energy and materials can develop toward a reduced environmental impact.

Job description

The work aims to contribute to the development of models and methods for integrated analyses of dimensioning and profitability/competitiveness of plug-in hybrids and their potential to contribute to a transfer of the vehicle fleet to electric drive. It is then necessary to consider varying conditions in terms of movement patterns and recharging options for individual cars in vehicle fleet. Other factors to take into account are powertrain design options while fulfilling performance requirements and component characteristics as well as competition with alternative vehicle technologies. The background is the necessary transformation of the energy use in transport to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels. An increased electrification of the vehicle fleet is then a possibility to achieve a more diversified energy supply and a radical reduction of energy use and carbon emissions in the vehicles.

The work will be part of a collaboration between three divisions in the area of hybrid drives within Chalmers Energy Initiative: Physical Resource Theory, Electric Power Engineering, and Automatic control, Automation and Mechatronics. In this cooperation can technical as well as systems analytical skills and data be used. Among other things, a database is now built up with detailed data on movement patterns of individual cars. Chalmers Energy Initiative is based on the increased allocation of funds for research in strategic areas pointed out by the government.

Doctoral positions include doctoral studies leading to the doctoral degree, the equivalent of four full-time years of study, including research, course work, and participation in seminars and conferences. The position may be held for no more than five years and includes 20% teaching and other departmental duties.

Required qualifications

Applicants must hold a post-secondary degree equivalent to at least 240 credits in the Swedish higher education system (preferably obtained within the past five years) with a technical/ natural science focus, including a thesis project equivalent to at least 30 such credits. Post-secondary concentration should be in a field relevant to the applicable research area. Applicants should have the general aptitude determined necessary to complete the doctoral education.

Doctoral and masters level courses are typically taught in English, lower level courses are taught in Swedish. Solid language skills are essential.

Application procedure:

The application shall be written in English and include the following items:

An application of a maximum of one A4 page containing your specific qualifications for the position
Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents
Curriculum Vitae
Letters of recommendation and name of reference persons (optional)

The application shall be sent electronically as pdf or zipped documents. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

If any material is not available electronically or cannot be transferred to pdf format, the material can be sent as a hard copy to Registrar. The applicants name and the reference number (2010/150) must be written on the first page of the application.

Address:
Registrar
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden

Further information:

University lecturer Sten Karlsson, phone: +46 31-772 3139, e-mail: sten.karlsson@chalmers.se
Head of division Ulrika Lundqvist, phone: +46 31-772 3281, e mail: ulrika.lundqvist@chalmers.se
Head of department Lennart Vamling, phone: + 46 31-772 3021, e mail: lennart.vamling@chalmers.se

Application deadline : 2010-08-31

For further information:

Scholarship Tags: ANALYTICAL, Design, Energy, Environment, Modelling, PhD, Position, Student, Sweden, System