job description
apply here:
As our PhD candidate, you will work towards obtaining a PhD degree while gaining valuable experience that will form the basis for a future career in higher education and research, both within and outside of academia. The Department of Chemical Engineering is recruiting a PhD candidate to work on solvent management techniques for amine-based carbon dioxide capture plants. This position in the Department of Chemical Engineering at NDSU focuses on chemical absorption and, more specifically, solvent degradation modeling. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, making the development and implementation of abatement technologies critical. Among the various methods for separating carbon dioxide from industrial gases, absorption carbon dioxide capture technologies using aqueous alkanolamine solutions have been commercialized. One of the remaining challenges is solvent degradation, which is also associated with equipment corrosion, as many solvent degradation compounds are corrosive. Solvent degradation is the irreversible conversion of the absorbent solution to other compounds, which can lead to equipment corrosion, amine loss, fouling, blistering, and ultimately a reduction in CO2 absorption capacity. This PhD thesis focuses on modeling the degradation of selected solvent mixtures. The aim is to develop a model that describes the degradation of solvents and the formation of degraded compounds over time under process-related conditions. The developed degradation model will be linked to a process model to predict solvent degradation and corrosion and to understand how degradation depends on process conditions such as temperature, process design and oxygen.
offer requirements
Must have experience modeling with Matlab, Python or similar tools. Experience using process simulation tools such as AspenPlus, Hysys or similar. Familiarity with absorption processes. Knowledge of ionic solution chemistry and interest in furthering your understanding of solvent degradation chemistry. You must have a background in chemical engineering or equivalent. You must have a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent. Your course of study must be aligned with a five-year program in Norway and you must have earned 120 credits at the Master’s level. Master’s degree students may also apply, but they must obtain their Master’s degree within 3 months of taking up their position and produce documentation to prove it. You must have a good academic background from your previous studies and a grade point average of B or better on the Norwegian State Teachers’ University grading scale for the Master’s degree or equivalent. If you do not have letter grades in your previous studies, you must have an equally good academic background. If your academic background is weak, you may also be considered if you can demonstrate that you are particularly well suited for doctoral education. The position requires fluency in spoken and written English. You must meet the requirements for admission to the Faculty’s PhD program. Please note that for detailed information on what must be included in your application materials, please see “About the application materials”. If you are unable to demonstrate A2 level proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish at the time of employment, you must have completed at least 15 credits of Norwegian language courses by the end of the employment period. The Norwegian National University of Technology will facilitate this. Appointment will be made in accordance with the Regulations of the Universities and Colleges Act (Universities and Colleges Regulations) and the Regulations of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) on the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees for work in arts development for the purpose of understanding the general criteria for the position. Preferred criteria: knowledge and experience in chemical absorption of CO2. Experience in fitting and validating models. Experience of assessing model accuracy and weaknesses. Experience in preparing and presenting scientific reports. Personal Characteristics: To complete a doctoral degree (PhD) you must be able to: Work independently, be self-driven and persistent. Work in an organized manner, set goals and develop plans to achieve them. Present and discuss your research with other professionals. Participate and provide feedback constructively. Work constructively under pressure or adversity. Demonstrate curiosity and a strong desire to learn about the subject matter. Question and reflect on own work and that of others. Analyzes data, evaluates different perspectives and draws well-reasoned conclusions. Is flexible and open to adjusting project plans as needed. Focuses on personal qualities.
offer benefits/salary
An exciting job with an important social mission. Work in a strong international professional environment. Career guidance and follow-up during your PhD. An open and inclusive work environment with committed colleagues. Mentorship program as a new NTNU employee. Training during working hours and participation in company sports activities at NTNU. As a civil servant, you are entitled to favorable benefits from the Norwegian Civil Servants’ Pension Fund (SPK). You will be employed as a PhD student at NTNU with employee benefits and discounts.