Doctoral Student In Advanced Catalysis For Sustainable Energy Conversion

Help shape the future of circular carbon technologies by exploring innovative catalytic routes for transforming waste CO₂ into renewable fuels. This doctoral project offers a unique opportunity to combine experimental discovery with real‑world energy impact.

About us

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering pushes the knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering forward in a broad field of research and education. We offer an international environment, with scientific areas ranging from fundamental chemistry, health and medical technology, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, theory and modelling.

We have expertise in Chemical Engineering, combining experimental research with modelling techniques. Our division has a strong tradition of addressing both fundamental scientific questions and applied challenges through close collaboration with industry. We work with various sectors, including forestry, pharmaceuticals, refineries, chemicals, automotive, and equipment manufacturers.

About the research project

The project will explore innovative pathways to transform waste CO₂ streams into valuable sustainable fuels and chemicals using renewable hydrogen. The Doctoral student will develop and test advanced catalysts under realistic conditions and integrate findings with process modelling. The work will help create efficient, robust systems for future electrofuel production and support the transition to renewable, circular carbon technologies.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Chemical Engineeering or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse interdisciplinary research environment.

• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience with laboratory work in catalysis, materials synthesis, and reaction engineering
• Experience with the operation of high‑pressure and high‑temperature reactors
• Skills in material characterization techniques
• Interest or initial experience in process analysis or modelling tools—such as Aspen Plus, Matlab/Python, or similar—to help link experimental findings to process or techno‑economic evaluations.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Chemical Engineering
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
• Conduct experimental work including synthesis, modification, and detailed characterization of catalyst materials, and design systematic studies to understand activity, stability, and regeneration
• Operate, and maintain high‑pressure continuous reactor for catalyst evaluation under realistic and impurity‑containing conditions
• Support the development of process concepts by linking experimental results to techno‑economic or process assessments of promising electrofuel pathways.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and 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

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than April 27th.

For questions, please contact:

Derek Creaser
Professor
derek.creaser@chalmers.se

Louise Olsson
Professor
louise.olsson@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** 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.

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.

The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!