PhD student in energy engineering – Model-based analyses of biobased fuels and gas turbines in a sustainable Swedish energy system

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
The Department for Energy Science is seeking candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in Energy Engineering. Your research will focus on developing and applying optimisation models to analyse the future role of sustainable forest-based fuels in gas turbines for mobile and stationary applications. The research is based on applying the IEA-ETSAP TIMES model framework, which is widely used across the globe to analyse energy transitions at local, national or global scales.

Energy Engineering is a part of the Division of Energy Science in the Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics, which is a subject-wide department with many successful research groups and recognized educational programs. In Energy Engineering, we have a close collaboration with industries and organizations in both research projects and student projects. The research is of international quality, and we collaborate with researchers around the world. Within the area of Energy system analysis, the research is targeted at the transition to a sustainable future, including but not limited to, studies related to new technologies, process integration and policy measures, as well as overall energy system aspects at local, national and supranational levels. We collaborate interdisciplinary with several social science subjects.

The chosen candidate will join the TIMES research group, which has a strong national and international reputation and is a sought-after partner in both academic and public-sector collaboration. The research focus includes energy system optimization models, sustainable energy and climate transition, scenario analysis, and applied system analysis.

Subject description
Energy Engineering concerns the development of technologies and processes in order to build a sustainable energy supply. The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and energy-efficiency in industry and society.

Project description
The project is part of the Swedish national competence centre CESTAP (Competence cEntre in Sustainable Turbine Fuels for Aviation and Power) (phase 2). CESTAP is jointly funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, academic partners, and industry. This specific project will focus on exploring various potential roles of sustainable forest-based fuels for gas turbines in mobile (mainly aviation) and stationary (for power) applications. The research will take an energy systems perspective, considering developments in other parts of the energy system, future need for energy and electricity in society, climate and other environmental goals, and resource limitations.

In order to identify cost-efficient pathways towards a future fossil-free and resource-efficient Swedish energy system, the PhD candidate will first develop a module for the existing TIMES-Sweden model, and thereafter, apply the model to analyse different feedstocks, biofuel production routes, and turbine applications under different scenarios.

Duties
A PhD student research position means being part of a research group where you, in collaboration with others, carry out scientific research work. As a PhD candidate, you study courses (some mandatory, some of your own choice), and you may try teaching (as part of departmental duties).

The research work will include, for example:

• Collect and analyze relevant data and information.
• Develop and use TIMES-based models.
• Scenario analysis and communicate results from the analyses.
• Write scientific journal articles both individually and together with others in the research group.
• Present research results nationally and internationally.
• Active participation in seminars within the research group.
• Support less experienced TIMES model users (relevant towards the second half of the PhD).

Departmental duties may include being a teaching assistant in two undergraduate courses, Sustainable energy systems and Environmental system analysis , as well as supervising master's student projects within the master's program in Energy Engineering.

Qualifications
You are qualified to apply for this position if you have an MSc or equivalent degree in Environment and Energy, Physical Resource Theory, Operational Research, or similar areas. Advanced knowledge of written and spoken English is required. You should be able to communicate both within the academic community and with external industry stakeholders.

Below are considered important merits:

• Knowledge and understanding of energy systems and their development, particularly at a national level.
• Knowledge and skills in energy engineering.
• Basic understanding of modelling and quantitative analytical methods.
• Ability to approach, formulate, and analyse scientific problems.

Additional merits for this specific position:

• Experience of modelling energy systems, particularly at the national level.
• Experience of optimisation modelling and/or other mathematical models.
• Experience in scenario analysis, related to climate or other environmental goals, or energy transitions.
• Knowledge of sustainable energy transitions.
• Ability to understand Swedish and make yourself understood in a conversation in Swedish, as some information is only available in Swedish and knowledge exchange will occur in a Swedish setting with Swedish industry stakeholders.

For further information about the specific doctoral program:
Technical Sciences - Luleå University of Technology (ltu.se)

Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added with a maximum of 20%. Placement: Luleå, Sweden. Starting: by agreement (no earlier than January 1 st 2027).

For each position, a preliminary salary range is provided based on the requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions associated with the role.

For further information, please contact:
Anna Krook Riekkola, Professor, (+46) 920-492552 anna.krook-riekkola@ltu.se

Union representatives

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
Preferably, you should apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, Personal letter, copies of verified university diplomas, and your answers to the questions in the appended document. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Closing date for applications:October 14, 2026
Ref no: 3982-2026