PhD student

Industrial PhD student: Kinetic modelling of catalytic hydrogen oxidation for hydrogen engines

TRATON is a group of strong brands with a shared mission: transforming transportation together to create the future of sustainable transport solutions. Within TRATON, we include MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Truck & Bus, and International. As part of a global team of industry experts, you get to think bigger, experience more, and reach further. Together, we have the power to transform transportation - Let´s make a difference together. Find out more: www.traton.com

Our values – customer first, respect, team spirit, responsibility, and elimination of waste – are at the heart of everything we do.

Introduction

Join us as an industrial PhD student and contribute to the development of future hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty vehicles by developing predictive kinetic models for catalytic hydrogen combustion. The research will bridge fundamental catalysis, experimental studies and engine-level simulations, with the long-term aim of enabling efficient hydrogen powertrains with ultra low emissions.

Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H₂-ICE) with high-pressure direct injection offer high efficiency and power density but face challenges related to cold start and the need of carbon-based pilot fuels for ignition. Catalytic hydrogen oxidation over noble metals such as platinum could improve cold-start performance and enable hydrogen-only ignition concepts.

Role Summary

This role is a part of TRATON Group R&D, located in Södertälje, Sweden.

The main focus of this Industrial PhD is the development and validation of kinetic models for hydrogen oxidation over noble-metal catalysts across a broad range of operating conditions and applications, including cold-start and in-cylinder conditions. You will also work closely with other PhD students and researchers to design and conduct relevant experimental studies supporting kinetic model development and validation, providing opportunities for hands-on experimental work in catalysis.

The position will be part of PtHICE – Innovative ways to use platinum for zero emission hydrogen vehicles, a joint research project involving TRATON, Chalmers University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, AVL List GmbH and Johnson Matthey. You will be employed by TRATON AB and affiliated with the Division of Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology, and work in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Job Responsibilities

The work will involve all parts of a research project, from developing scientific hypotheses and analysing experimental data to kinetic model development, validation and application.

Develop and validate kinetic models for catalytic hydrogen oxidation based on experimental data, and apply them in 1D and 3D simulations under engine-relevant conditions, including cold start and catalytic-assisted hydrogen ignition.Collaborate with academic and industrial partners across experiments and modelling, and communicate research results through scientific publications and international conferences.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – your unique experience and perspectives is valuable to us.

You should have an M.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field, preferably with a background or strong interest in catalysis, chemical kinetics, reaction engineering or numerical modelling.

You should be interested in understanding physical and chemical phenomena from experimental data and translating this knowledge into mathematical and numerical models.

As a person, you are curious, energetic and collaborative, with a proactive mindset and a strong interest in learning and exploring new ideas.

You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and contributing to a positive research environment.

You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Swedish language skills are considered a merit but are not required.

TRATON Offers

We offer a dynamic and engaging workplace where collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement are part of everyday life. You will be part of a strong team environment that encourages knowledge sharing and close cooperation across functions.

With a structured development plan and a wide range of training opportunities, TRATON supports your professional growth both locally and internationally.

Benefits include access to our health center in mapor a wellness allowance, bonus, flexible working hours, and company car leasing. The group also arranges events for employees and their families, and for those living in Stockholm.

We offer an inspiring and inclusive workplace with respect for the individual and great opportunities to shape your work and your future. As an Industrial PhD student, you will be an employee at TRATON AB, where you will be part of a team with industry experts and researchers in catalysis and simulation.

Your time will be mainly based at TRATON R&D Sweden in Södertälje, while also spending some time at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg as part of the PhD studies.

Application

We look forward to receiving your application, consisting of your CV and kindly ask you not to share a cover letter to ensure an efficient and unbiased recruitment process for all parties.

Please submit your CV and transcripts of records from your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies with your application.

Apply as soon as possible, no later than 2026-10-30. Screening will take place on an ongoing basis during the application period. Logical and personality tests may be used as part of the selection process, and a background check may be required for this role.

A condition for the position is that the applicant fulfils the basic requirements for admission to doctoral studies at Chalmers University of Technology. The position is also subject to a successful security screening in accordance with TRATON’s standard recruitment procedures.

For Additional Information

Dawei Yao

Industrial Supervisor, TGRMVMC, Material Technology Chemistry, TRATON AB

E-mail: [email protected]

Darius Gohari

Industrial Supervisor, Combustion & Emissions SWE, TRATON AB

E-mail: [email protected]

Ragna Elger

Head of Material Technology Chemistry, TRATON AB

E-mail: [email protected]

Amir Alizadeh

Head of Combustion & Emissions SWE, TGRMSTE, TRATON AB

E-mail: [email protected]

Louise Olsson

Academic Supervisor, Chemical engineering division, Chalmers University of Technology

E-mail: [email protected]

We look forward to your application!

This recruitment process is handled by Scania for TRATON Group R&D

Education

Master's Degree or Equivalent Level 7