PhD student in Chemical Engineering, focus on triboelectric air filtration - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

At Campus Sundsvall, the department conducts education in the subjects of engineering chemistry and physics, mathematics and didactics. The research at the department takes place at the research center FSCN (www.miun.se/fscn) and deals with materials and processes, focusing on cellulose fibers, wood polymers, graphene, batteries, supercapacitors and triboelectrics.

Position description

The objective of this PhD student project is to investigate triboelectric air filtration, involving design of filter materials with high particle retention and low pressure drop. Due to a self-charging ability, the developed material is expected to function similar to an electrofilter and retain airborne, polluting particles harmful to humans, as well as bacteria and viruses to prevent spreading of diseases.

The doctoral position is a cooperation between Mid Sweden University, the BioProcess Institute at University of British Columbia (UBC), and the company Camfil AB, a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions: Camfil provides commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use and benefit human health and the environment.

The first two years are carried out at Mid Sweden University (Sundsvall), the third year in Vancouver, Canada, as employed at UBC. The last year, and thesis defence, is accomplished in Sundsvall.

The doctoral position is part of the International Graduate School in Transformative Technologies (IRS TransTech), a research school funded by the Knowledge Foundation (KK Foundation) at Mid Sweden University. The purpose is to bring together doctoral students from the research centers STC and FSCN with international universities to establish a strong collaborative platform within the field of transformative technology. The primary goal is to more effectively address industrial challenges through groundbreaking and high-quality research.

Requirements and assessment

To be considered for a PhD position, the applicant must meet the entry requirements for admission to Mid Sweden University´s third-cycle programme. To meet the entry requirements, the applicant must have a second-cycle degree, or have completed at least 240 ETCS credits of which at least 60 credits should be second-cycle courses. An additional requirement is that 90 credits of the 240 total must consist of courses in chemistry/chemical engineering or closely related subjects, or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Selection criteria

Final selection will also be based on other work (such as thesis work) and courses, and on interviews with applicants. Prior experience in different soft matter characterization techniques will be an advantage. Personal qualities like teamwork skills, initiative, and suitability for PhD studies will be weighed together with formal subject knowledge. A brief description of your visions and goals should be included in the application.

Employment process

Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures.

Terms of employment

The PhD position refers to employment corresponding four years of fulltime studies and is planned to lead up to a PhD. The entry date will be according to agreement.

A new position as a doctoral student is initially valid for a maximum of one year, and the position may then be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. Provisions concerning employment as a doctoral student are contained in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of employment: The placement for the position is in Sundsvall at Mid Sweden University for 3 years (year 1,2 and 4), and at BPI-UBC in Vancouver for 1 year (year 3). You are initially hired by Mid Sweden University. During your stay in Canada, you will work under conditions given at the University of British Columbia and thus be on leave from Mid-Sweden University.

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.

Information

For further information please contact vice-head of department Dr. Birgitta Engberg, birgitta.engberg@miun.se, and project leader Professor Magnus Norgren magnus.norgren@miun.se, More information can also be found on FSCN’s homepage www.miun.se/fscn.

Application

Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English.

The application should include a verified CV, copies of official transcripts and degree certificates, description of objectives according to the above as well as other documents the applicant would like to refer to.

Please welcome to apply through our recruitment tool no later than November 10, 2023.