PhD Student – Biometanization of syngas - climate & techno-economic analysis

Department of Energy and Technology

Doctoral subject:

Technology

Description of the doctoral project:

Biomethane is traditionally produced through anaerobic digestion of biodegradable biomass and plays an important role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and limiting climate change. To increase biomethane production and meet the growing demand within the transport and industrial sectors, there is a need to use raw materials that are difficult to convert biologically, such as forestry residues. A promising method is the biometanization of syngas produced through thermal gasification of lignocellulosic-based biomass. Integrating the biometanization of syngas with conventional anaerobic digestion offers several advantages, including an increased gas flow that enables more cost-effective liquefaction of biomethane as well as improved heat management. Additionally, the supply of external green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis of water within the framework of carbon capture and utilization (CCU), can further increase methane production and facilitate the upgrading of the produced gas.

Tasks:

We are seeking a motivated PhD student who wants to work with the design and evaluation of different system scenarios for biomethane production. The research work includes modeling and simulation from raw material supply and thermal gasification to the production of biomethane. The system scenarios will include the integration of biometanization of syngas with conventional biogas plants based on anaerobic digestion as well as the supply of external hydrogen. The purpose is to evaluate energy balance, climate impact, and techno-economic performance. The applicant is expected to read and critically review scientific literature in English and publish and present research results in scientific journals and at conferences. The doctoral student will also participate in doctoral courses and contribute to the department's activities.

The person employed will become part of the national interdisciplinary excellence center Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Within BSRC, new and relevant knowledge is created through collaboration between different scientific disciplines as well as between researchers and actors from industry and the public sector. BSRC includes researchers and support from two universities – Linköpings universitet and Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) – as well as around 50 private and public organizations representing the entire biogas system value chain. The center is also funded with support from Energimyndigheten.

Eligibility:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject Technology is granted to those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 university credits in courses relevant to technology subjects. These must include an independent project and at least 30 credits must be at an advanced level. For others, special eligibility is assessed in each individual case with regard to the research task.

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English corresponding to a passing grade in Engelska B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

Qualification requirements

• A degree at an advanced level (civilingenjör or master's degree) within energy systems, energy technology, or a related field.
• Documented knowledge and experience of data programming and modeling.
• Very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Merit qualifications

• Knowledge of biomass conversion technologies.
• Experience in programming in Python.
• Experience in life cycle assessment (LCA).
• Experience in techno-economic analysis.
• Experience in scientific writing and scientific communication.
• Knowledge of the Swedish energy system.
• Ability to communicate in Swedish.

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaborative skills, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills, motivation, and the ability to work independently.

About us:

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Department of Mother Nature, Water and Environment (MVM) offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Our bioenergy research focuses on studies of technical solutions and systems related to how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for the production of fuels, electricity, and heat. The department and the involved researchers have very extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.

More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik/

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Terms of employment and salary:

Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education).

The salary for the doctoral position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start date:

By agreement, but no later than December 2026.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-10.

Read more about the attachments your application must contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application, and shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union contact persons

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/