Arbetsbeskrivning

The chemical industry remains largely dependent on fossil fuels, contributing to significant climate impacts. While bio-based alternatives like lignocellulosic feedstocks offer a more sustainable solution, the range of platform chemicals derived from them is still limited. As part of this project, you will play a key role in evaluating the environmental performance of bio-based chemicals using life cycle assessment (LCA). This involves close collaboration with experts in academia and industry, offering you valuable experience in a growing field. About the Project This position is part of the EU-funded BIONEER project, which aims to demonstrate the production of new carbohydrate-derived building blocks and platform chemicals from bio-based resources. Universities and companies across Europe are collaborating to develop sustainable production processes, with applications in UV-cured coatings and personal care products. Environmental and techno-economic assessments are crucial for ensuring these processes are economically viable and environmentally sound. In this context, the Division of Environmental Systems Analysis (ESA) is recruiting a PhD candidate. ESA specializes in environmental assessment, risk assessment, and material flow analysis, all aimed at promoting sustainable technology solutions. Our interdisciplinary approach includes both physical and social sciences, with a team of 40 researchers and faculty members. We also offer courses closely linked to our research. Information about the division and the department Please read more about our department on our website. Your Responsibilities • Conduct life cycle assessment (LCA) to guide the design and development of bio-based platform chemicals. • Evaluate design choices made by partners in the BIONEER project, accounting for uncertainties in early-stage development. • Contribute to LCA methodology development within the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework. • Collaborate with researchers and industry professionals from various disciplines. • Take courses to support your research, including one focused on sustainability or climate change. • Participate in teaching and other responsibilities within the division. Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. Qualifications Must haves: • MSc (corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits) in an engineering discipline such as Industrial Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or Chemical Engineering. • Completion of a Master-level course specializing in life cycle assessment. • Excellent skills in quantitative modelling and analysis. • High proficiency in spoken and written English. • Ability to collaborate effectively, adopt new perspectives, and work in a structured, reflexive manner. Meritourious:  • Proficiency in spoken and written Swedish (Swedish courses available through Chalmers). • Knowledge of biochemical process engineering. • Programming skills, particularly in Python. • Interest in or experience with multi- and transdisciplinary research. Contract terms Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years We offer Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees. Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers. Application procedure The application should be marked with reference number 20240580 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number) • CV • Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust. • Two references that we can contact. Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number) 1-3 pages where you: • Introduce yourself • Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities) • Describe your future goals and future research focus Other documents: • Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis. • Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results. Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Application deadline: 2024-11-21 For questions, please contact: Associate professor Mathias Janssen, Environmental Systems Analysis, [email protected], 031- 772 86 02 *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***      Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.