The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics is offering a postdoctoral scholarship funded by the Kempe Foundations within the project Adaptive installation of bio-based phase change materials in wooden buildings. The scholarship is full-time for two (2) years with access August 1, 2023, or by agreement.
The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics has about 100 employees and conducts leading research and education within several complementary areas. The research areas include control technology, robotics, integrated systems, autonomous systems, thermochemical energy conversion and energy efficiency. Within the research environment of Energy efficiency in buildings, we research the end use of energy in buildings, industry, and district heating. The focus is the efficiency of energy end-use and heat transfer.
We are offering a postdoctoral scholarship to participate in exploring experimental investigations and theoretical models, how components prepared with bio-based PCM can influence the thermal properties and reduce energy use in wooden buildings. The project is funded as a scholarship provided by the Kempe Foundations and lasts two years. The work will be conducted in collaboration with researchers from Umeå University and colleagues at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Project description
Increasing the thermal storage capacity is particularly important for buildings with a thermal light wooden frame. These are characterized by a relatively low ability to store thermal energy compared to buildings that have a thermal heavy frame, e.g. of concrete. Commercial products with PCM are available. They are often based on different types of paraffin. Recent research has introduced bio-based PCM. It is important for the wood industry to gain knowledge about how new wood-based products can replace non-biological products. The hypothesis is that the use of PCM should be able to contribute to increasing wooden building construction and contribute to a more carbon dioxide-neutral society.
In this project, experimental studies are carried out, as well as theoretical models are developed, which provide new knowledge about the thermal properties of bio-based PCM in cooperation with wooden building components. Specifically, the thermal properties of, for example, CL-wood prepared with bio-based PCM are investigated. The survey is carried out both at the component level and at the building level.
The project, therefore, aims to show, with the support of experimental investigations and theoretical models, how components prepared with bio-based PCM can affect thermal properties and reduce energy use in wooden buildings.
The scholarship is for two (2) years and is funded by the Kempe Foundations. The tax-free scholarship amounts to 648 000 SEK in total (324 000 SEK annual average) and is usually paid out as four separate payments during the scholarship period.
Qualifications
To qualify as a post-doctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient. Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
You have a doctoral degree in energy science, energy efficiency engineering, or other area relevant to the topic of the project. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Experience and knowledge in heat and mass transfer, thermal heat storage, simulation of phase change transformation and laboratory experimental activities are strong merits.
You should be creative, and curious with an ability to conduct independent research and have the ability to engage productively in collaborations concerning common research topics.
Application
A full application should include:
- Cover letter in which you describe your qualifications, research interests and motivation for the application as well as your contact information (max 2 pages),
- Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
- Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
- Copy of doctoral thesis and of relevant scientific papers (max 5),
- Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
References will be requested prior to a potential interview.
The application should be written in English or Swedish. Your complete application, marked with reference number FS 2.1.7-928-23, should be sent electronically (in PDF format) to medel@diarie.umu.se (with the reference number on the subject line). The closing date is June 7, 2023.
Further details are provided by Thomas Olofsson, phone: +46 90 786 6710, email: thomas.olofsson@umu.se.
More information
More information about the department’s research in Energy Technology can be read here: www.umu.se/en/department-of-applied-physics-and-electronics/research/energy-technology/
More information about the Energy Efficiency research group can be read on our website: www.umu.se/en/research/groups/energy-efficiency/