Subject field

Energy Technology with specialization in thermal energy storage.

Subject description

The subject includes methods for storage of thermal energy and applications of these methods in the energy system. This includes sensible as well as latent thermal energy storage and storage through thermochemical reactions. The subject includes experimental work as well as modelling, with a focus on the experimental work.

Duties

The assistant professor is expected to perform research and teaching within the subject field. The duties include establishing new research networks within and outside of KTH, e.g. within KTH’s energy platform, as well as to actively seek external financing for new research projects. Teaching at the first, second and third cycle within the subject field is part of the duties, as well as to contribute to the development of existing and new courses. The assistant professor is also expected to supervise thesis projects at the bachelor- and masters levels and Ph.D. students. The assistant professor’s activities are expected to contribute to the fulfillment of KTH’s goals within sustainable development.

The assistant professor will be given opportunity to develop their independence as researcher and gain accreditation that may allow them to take other teaching positions with higher eligibility requirements (see Chapter 4, Section 12 a of the Higher Education Ordinance). Following application, the assistant professor can apply for promotion to associate professor in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 12 c of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Eligibility

An individual who has obtained a PhD or equivalent research expertise is qualified for appointment as an assistant professor. Candidates who met those qualifications within five years prior to expiration of the application period should be prioritized. Other candidates may also be considered if there are extraordinary grounds for doing so. Extraordinary grounds refer to illness, parental leave or similar circumstances.

Grounds of assessments
The assessment criteria for appointment as an assistant professor at KTH are stated in KTH’s appointments procedure section 1.3, and apply in relation to the employment profile laid down.

Of highest importance is that the applicant has

• research expertise within the subject field demonstrated through research publications, conference attendance, attendance of research cooperation and also other undertakings in the scientific community such as for example, assignments as a reviewer or expert.
• ability to perform experimental work within the subject area

Of second highest importance is that the applicant has

• potential to qualify for a higher teaching post. This includes the potential for independent development as a researcher and teacher within the subject field in question and also the ability to establish, review and develop the research area in question.
• an interest in and understanding of pedagogical development within the subject field in question.
• postdoc visits to a research environment other than the university at which the applicant defended their doctoral thesis. In application-oriented areas, experience from research and development work within the industry or other organizations is considered to correspond to a traditional postdoc visit to another university.

It is also important that the applicant has

• an interest in and understanding of leadership in an academic environment, third-stream activities, and awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality.
• administrative expertise

Special grounds of assessment for promotion to associate professor

When assessing applications for promotion to associate professor, the applicant’s ability to independently initiate and carry out research of high academic quality, published in international publications, and the applicant’s ability to obtain financing for research operations will be assessed. Of highest importance is the applicant’s ability to independently establish new collaborations and research specializations. It is also of highest importance that the applicant has displayed teaching and supervising expertise. Ability to teach in Swedish is a merit that is given great importance in the application for promotion.