Phd Position In Hydrogen For Hubs For Circularity: System Integration And Optimization

Job Description

As a researcher, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to sustainable energy solutions by analyzing hydrogen technologies, developing decarbonization strategies, and conducting techno-economic and environmental impact analyses. Next to developing a groundbreaking PhD thesis, the selected candidate will focus on two tasks as a part of UT’s responsibilities within the European Commission-funded project entitled “From Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity – IS2H4C:

1. Developing and optimizing large-scale, multi-vector energy systems supported by hydrogen. This task includes designing, simulating, and testing energy conversion technologies that maximize resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis.

2. Conducting performance analysis and technical optimization of hydrogen technologies using advanced simulation models to deliver actionable recommendations for full-scale industrial applications.

The research outcomes aim to enhance the integration of hydrogen as a central component in circular energy hubs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy efficiency. For more information, please check this website

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thermodynamic and techno-economic analyses of hydrogen-based energy systems.

• Develop simulation models for multi-vector energy systems, incorporating renewable energy integration and waste recovery.

• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners to gather inputs and validate research findings.

• Prepare technical reports, publications, and deliverables aligned with project milestones.

• Contribute to the transition of linear energy systems to circular frameworks by leveraging hydrogen technologies.

Information and application

You can apply for this position by December 20th, 2024, by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4 explaining why you qualify for this position. Please make sure the cover letter explicitly addresses the following:

• Motivation for applying

• Alignment with the position's goals

• How your background and skills qualify you for the research

• Specific examples of relevant experience (e.g., hydrogen technologies, simulations, optimization)

• Your understanding of circularity and hydrogen's role in it.

Your updated CV, including:

• Clearly highlighted technical skills (e.g., programming, thermodynamics, optimization)

• Relevant projects or publications (e.g., hydrogen and circular energy systems)

• Full contact information for at least two academic references

• A mini proposal of 1-2 pages describing a key challenge in hydrogen integration within hubs for circularity and proposing a research approach

• Copies of your academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees

• Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis

• Any additional supporting documents, such as publications or research experience

Please ensure that your application is submitted by the announced deadline. However, we reserve the right to close the application period earlier if a qualified candidate is identified, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Applications must include all required documents. Missing items must be accompanied by a clear explanation; otherwise, your application will not be considered. To facilitate evaluation, submissions should be bundled into a single PDF file. If separate files are uploaded, they must be clearly named for easy identification.

The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled between January 5th and January 12th, but these dates may be adjusted if the application timeline changes. If necessary, a second round of interviews may also be scheduled.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team. If you have any questions about the Ph.D. vacation, please contact Canan Acar at c.a.acar@utwente.nl.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.