Doctoral student in chemical reaction engineering of CO2 Utilisation

Karlstad University; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 30 000 - 40 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical university in Stockholm is seeking a doctoral student to develop catalytic reactors for CO₂ conversion. The role involves experimental studies and modeling to understand and optimize reactor performance. Candidates should have a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering and experience in catalytic reaction engineering. The position offers a supportive postgraduate education environment and opportunities for collaboration with industry experts.

Benefits

Dynamic research environment

Salary according to KTH’s agreement

Access to nature and water

Relocation guidance

Qualifications

• Background in Chemical Engineering or equivalent required.
• Experience in experimental and theoretical catalytic reaction engineering.
• Ability to handle practical problems and design experimental setups.

Responsibilities

• Develop catalytic reactors for CO₂ conversion.
• Conduct experimental studies and mathematical modeling.
• Collaborate with leading academic and industry experts.

Skills

Catalytic reaction engineering

Mathematical modeling (MATLAB, Python)

Experimental skills

Catalyst characterization

Process simulation tools (gPROMS, Aspen Plus)

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Overview

KTH is leading the newly built research center ACCELERATE with aim to accelerate the transformation of the chemical industry. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is a novel track for producing chemicals while phasing-out fossil feedstocks. Within ACCELERATE, this position will focus on the engineering, analysis, and optimization of catalytic reactors employing heterogeneous catalysts, with the aim of developing the next generation of reactors for CO₂ conversion.

Emphasis will be placed on understanding the underlying chemical transformations and improving reactor performance through both experimental studies and mathematical analysis/modeling. This includes analysis of reaction kinetics, catalyst stability, transport phenomena, etc.

Experimental work will provide insights into catalyst behavior under realistic operating conditions, while modeling will support the design and optimization of advanced reactor concepts.

Supervision

Efthymios Kantarelisis proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

Responsibilities and benefits

• Join the ACCELERATE research center, work with leading experts and contribute to creating knowledge that will change industry.
• Integrate a network of leading academic and industry experts in Sweden and Europe.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• The position provides a postgraduate education at an institution active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

The candidate should have a background in Chemical Engineering, or equivalent field. More specifically, the candidate should have experience in catalytic reaction engineering (experimental and/or theoretical), catalyst characterization and mathematical modeling skills (e.g. MATLAB, Julia, Python, FORTRAN, etc.). The candidate should be able to handle practical problems and design, build, and work with experimental rigs related to catalytic reactions. Use of process simulation tools such as gPROMS, Aspen Plus or HYSYS is meritorious.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

To succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed on their ability to:

• be genuinely interested in the science and engineering of chemical reactors,
• independently pursue their work,
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach, and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than four years of full-time doctoral education. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. For licentiate degree studies, the total employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

How to apply

Apply for the position and admission through KTH’s recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement. Applications must be received by the closing date at midnight CET/CEST.

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge (maximum 2 pages).
• Application letter describing why you want to pursue research studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (maximum 1 page).
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements. Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports with a short abstract and a web link to the full text if applicable.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is a priority for KTH. For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process. This position may be security-sensitive and require a security clearance if applicable. We decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons. Disclaimer: the Swedish version takes precedence in case of discrepancy with the English translation.

About KTH

KTH is one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution, and home to a global community of students, researchers and faculty. Our research and education cover natural sciences, engineering, architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Chemical Engineering. This position continues work in ACCELERATE to develop catalytic reactors for CO₂ conversion, with emphasis on understanding chemical transformations and improving reactor performance through experimental and modeling approaches.

What we offer

• Dynamic and international research environment with collaboration with industry and leading universities.
• Salary according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement and various employee benefits.
• Supportive postgraduate education environment emphasizing working conditions, gender equality and diversity.
• Stockholm location with access to nature and water; relocation guidance.
• Opportunity to join ACCELERATE and build a network of academic and industry experts in Sweden and Europe.

Contact

Efthymios Kantarelis, [e-mail], [phone]

Reference number: PA-2025-2620

Published: 2025-09-04. Last application date: 2025-10-19.