Postdoc in Thermal Catalytic Conversion of CO₂ to Solid Carbon

Job description

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral to join our group working on thermal catalytic conversion of CO₂ to solid carbon. The project aims to develop efficient and electrified processes that transform CO₂ into valuable carbon materials for energy and industrial applications.

You will work experimentally with catalyst development, reactor testing, and process optimization with ASPEN. The research includes operating high-temperature systems, analyzing gas compositions, and characterizing the produced solid carbon. You will collaborate with both academic and industrial partners to link fundamental studies with practical applications.

The position is part of a dynamic and international research team at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Our group combines expertise in catalysis, process electrification, and sustainable energy systems. You will have access to well-equipped laboratories, experienced colleagues, and strong research networks.

This role offers scientific challenges and creative freedom. It is well suited for a postdoctoral who enjoys hands-on experimental work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing new solutions for CO₂ utilization and carbon-neutral technologies.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• A doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Technology, or a related field.
• Documented research experience in heterogeneous catalysis, thermochemical conversion, or carbon materials.
• Strong experimental skills in operating laboratory-scale reactors, gas analysis, and high-temperature systems.
• Proven ability in process modeling and simulation, preferably using Aspen Plus.
• Ability to conduct independent research, plan and analyze experiments, and document results clearly. '
• Good collaboration and communication skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• Awareness of and commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and gender equality in the research environment. 

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience in CO₂ utilization, catalysis for gas–solid reactions, or electrified thermal processes.
• Knowledge of material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, or TGA.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity and a strong publication record in international journals.
• Experience in supervising students or contributing to project management.
• As a person, you are curious, analytical, and self-driven, with a genuine interest in developing sustainable technologies through experimental and modeling research. 

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.
• 2 recommendation letters

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

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It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.