Job for Researchers: PhD Student in Technology: Biomethanation of Syngas – SLU, Sweden

About the role

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a doctoral student position in Technology. The project focuses on biomethanation of syngas with integrated climate and techno-economic assessments. Biomethane is conventionally produced by anaerobic digestion of biodegradable biomass and plays an important role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. To meet growing demand in transportation and industry, the project addresses feedstocks resistant to biological conversion, such as forest residues. A promising approach is biomethanation of syngas from thermal gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Integrating this with conventional anaerobic digestion offers advantages including increased gas flow for more cost-efficient liquefaction and improved heat management. Additionally, supplying exogenous green hydrogen from water electrolysis via carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) can further boost methane production and facilitate gas upgrading.

Responsibilities

• Design and assess system scenarios for biomethane production, including modelling and simulation from feedstock supply and thermal gasification to final biomethane.
• Integrate syngas biomethanation with existing anaerobic digestion plants and consider exogenous hydrogen supply.
• Evaluate energy balance, climate impact, and techno-economic performance of the proposed systems.
• Read and critically evaluate scientific literature in English; publish and present findings in scientific journals and at conferences.
• Participate in doctoral courses and contribute to departmental activities.
• Collaborate as part of the national Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), a transdisciplinary centre of excellence involving Linköping University, SLU, and about 50 private and public organisations, with support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

Requirements

General entry requirements

• Awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, completed courses totalling at least 240 credits with at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).
• Specific eligibility for doctoral studies in Technology requires knowledge equivalent to at least 90 credits in relevant technology courses, including an independent degree project and at least 30 credits at second-cycle level.
• Meet English language requirements equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree (second-cycle) in Energy Systems Engineering, Energy Technology, or a closely related field.
• Documented knowledge and experience in data programming and modelling.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong collaboration skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, motivation, and capacity for independent work.

Meritorious qualifications

• Knowledge of biomass conversion technologies.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Experience in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
• Experience in techno-economic analysis.
• Experience in scientific writing and communication.
• Knowledge of the Swedish energy system.
• Ability to communicate in Swedish.

What we offer

• Employment as a doctoral student for a 4-year programme with salary set according to the local collective agreement and fixed salary progression.
• An interdisciplinary research environment at SLU’s Department of Energy and Technology, with extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.
• Location in Uppsala, Sweden, with full-time commitment (100%).
• Start date upon agreement, but not later than December 2026.

How to apply

Submit your application through the university’s application system by 10 September 2026. Include all required documents as specified in SLU’s doctoral application guidelines. Selection among eligible applicants is based on the submitted documents and the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time. Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2076. For further information, contact Professor Per-Anders Hansson or Docent Åke Nordberg.

Original vacancy