The Optical Diagnostics Group at Plasma Physics and Technology Programme, Risø DTU, invites applicants for a three years PhD position within the field of optical diagnostics in biomass gasification and combustion.

You will be working in the highly dynamical Optical Diagnostics research group. Our day-to-day work ranges from laboratory to field measurements and consultancy for industry. Key activities in the group are related to the applied optical measurements in flames, combustion and energy systems, e.g. temperature, gas composition, flow and thermal radiation.

Project description
The importance of an efficient utilization of biomass as a renewable energy in terms of global warming and resource shortage are well recognized. Gasification of biomass is a promising combined heat and power (CPH) technology due to its high electrical efficiency compared to other CHP systems in the lower and middle range power. Although in the last decade significant progress in biomass gasification technology has been achieved there are still some issues about gasifiers performance and efficiency. Thus, for example, species produced in gasification process may cause several problems ranging from corrosion to reduced gas quality. Knowledge of the concentrations of such species is important in further optimization and future developments of gasifiers.

The project has focus on spectroscopy analysis of low-molecular-weight compounds important in biomass gasification and combustion (e.g. sulphur compounds, PAH’s, chlorine compounds, etc.). 

The aim of the project is to develop new optically-based techniques and data analysis suitable for in situ concentration measurements of such species in biomass gasification and combustion processes. Advanced IR and UV optical spectroscopy and GC/MS tools will be used. Field measurements will be performed on various gasification and combustion facilities within DTU.

Qualifications
Candidates should have (or be about to obtain) a master's degree in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree. Knowledge of molecular spectroscopy and/or applied optics is an advantage.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide. 
 
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
You are welcome to contact Senior Researcher Alexander Fateev, +45 4677 4564 or Senior Researcher Sønnik Clausen, +45 2081 4523.

Application
We must have your online application by 23 August 2010. Please open the link “apply for this job online” and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV. Please also attach a list of references and copies of diplomas. In case of a non-Danish degree, please inform about highest grade and lowest passing grade of the grading system.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.