Arbetsbeskrivning

Background Food production is responsible for one-third of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, an unsustainable trajectory as the global population continues to rise. Regardless of the type of food—current or novel—prolonging shelf lives is crucial, often requiring water removal processes such as evaporation. Improving the efficiency of food processing while preventing unintended modifications to protein structures, which can trigger food allergies, is a vital area of research. Project overview This PhD project focuses on Chemical Process Engineering, with an emphasis on understanding protein behavior at the molecular level during falling-film evaporation (FFE)—a process widely applied to thermally sensitive foods such as milk and alternative proteins. By employing molecular dynamics simulations, you will explore protein interactions and changes under specific processing conditions. The project is aligned with broader sustainability goals, including the development of innovative processes to manufacture chemicals, materials, and fuels from renewable sources. These challenges also extend to areas such as recycling, process intensification, and energy-efficient systems. Achieving these objectives requires a detailed understanding of fundamental unit operations (e.g., separation, mixing, distillation, drying, filtration) and heat/mass transfer mechanisms. This project emphasizes mathematical modeling, aiming to enhance both fundamental and applied research within Chemical Process Engineering. The project is in collaboration with the Fluid Mechanics division to integrate new, inter-disciplinary perspectives. Through fostering new alliances and collaborative efforts, this research will address current and emerging challenges relevant to society and industry, contributing significantly to the realization of a sustainable future. Your main responsibilities As a PhD student, your primary responsibility will be to conduct doctoral research and advance the scientific understanding within your field. Specifically, you will: • Develop and refine your scientific concepts and methodologies. • Present and publish your research findings through written and oral communication. • Contribute to undergraduate teaching or perform other departmental duties, corresponding to up to 20% of your working hours. Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. Qualifications You should have, or expect to soon obtain, a Master degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Chemical Engineering or a related subject area. Experience with molecular dynamics simulation is required. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Contract terms Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years. The Division of Chemical Engineering The Division of Chemical Engineering includes the following groups: Chemical process and Reaction Engineering, Forest Products, and Chemical Engineering. We have a wide range of experience and work both experimentally and with modeling. We have a long tradition of working with both fundamental scientific questions and applied problems together with industry. We collaborate with for example the forest, pharmaceuticals, food science, chemistry and automotive industries and their equipment manufacturers. We also participate in many international networks with both companies and universities. What 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 written in English. The application should be submitted as PDF files. Each file should not exceed 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support ZIP files. Required documents: • CV:  • Include your CV • Information about any previous employment or leadership roles, as well as any positions of trust • Contact details of two references • Personal letter:  • 1-3 pages introducing yourself • A description of your relevant experience (e.g., education, thesis work, and any other research activities) • Your future goals and research focus • Other documents: • Copies of your bachelor’s and/or master’s thesis • Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades, and other certificates. Please use the application form at the bottom of the page to submit your application. 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: 25 Dece,ber, 2024 For questions, please contact: Professor Jia Chew, Chemical Engineering [email protected], +46 0720 325 486 Professor Srdjan Sasic, Fluid Dynamics, Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences [email protected], +46 31 772 5238   *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***