PhD Student in Interaction between Crystalline Bedrock and Induced Plasma

Electrification and digitalisation are among the largest areas for the future in the conversion to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in the areas - renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication and wireless sensor networks as well as research and education within Life Science, smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international workplace with around 160 employees that all contribute to important technical energy and health solutions at the Ångström Laboratory.

The position will be at the division of Electricity at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Research Project: Plasma Pulse Geo Drilling (PPGD) is an innovative technology that uses high-voltage pulses to generate a plasma channel that fractures rock. This technology offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional rotary drilling, especially in hard crystalline bedrock. This PhD project aims to investigate the interaction between crystalline bedrock and induced plasma during drilling with pulsed power plasma drilling, focusing on the use of environmentally friendly tap water as the working fluid.

We offer a varied and exciting job designed by the PhD student and the research group together. The PhD student will be supervised by at least two supervisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering also offers a salary supplement for employment as a PhD student at the department.

Duties

• Use numerical simulation tools to research the interaction between plasma and rock under controlled conditions.
• Participate in project meetings and project-related activities.
• Write scientific publications and present research results orally in various contexts such as project group meetings and international conferences.
• Participate in teaching, for example by leading exercises or supervising labs or project work. Teaching and other departmental work constitute a maximum of 20% of the working time.

Qualification Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent with a focus on energy systems, electrical engineering, engineering physics, or similar.
• Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• We place great emphasis on your personal qualities such as being goal- and results-oriented and self-motivated. You should be determined, structured, and able to work effectively both individually and in groups, and also need good collaboration and communication skills. 

Additional qualifications

• Knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written.
• Experience working with digital twins and energy systems. 

Application Procedure: Apply via the link below. The application must include a letter briefly describing yourself and your research interests. The application must also include a CV, copies of degree certificates and grades, thesis, and other documents you wish to invoke. We want you to provide information about reference persons.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date xx or as agreed. Placement: X

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Jan Isberg, +4618-4710000, jan.isberg@angstrom.uu.se; Professor Hans Bernhoff, +4618-4710000, hans.bernhoff@uu.se

Please submit your application by May 15th, 2025. UFV-PA 2025/1175.

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