Doctoral student in analytical chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

Lignin is a macromolecule consisting of a network of aromatic units and constitutes the single largest source of aromatic compounds, which could be of great use in the manufacture of fine and bulk chemicals and materials of various kinds. The process development for depolymerisation of lignin is partly limited due to the lack of well-working chemical analysis methods used to determine to what extent the lignin is broken down and which aromatic compounds are formed. Hence, the aim of the research is to develop new high-quality, “green” analytical methods for depolymerized lignin. More specifically, to develop and validate separation and detection methods based on size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with diode array (DAD), charged aerosol (CAD) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection. Solubility studies and colloidal properties of lignin in the mobile phase. State-of-the-art two-dimensional separation methods for complex lignin samples.

Research environment

The doctoral student project will be conducted at the Department of Chemistry (KILU), the Center for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS), at the research group Green Technology Group (GTG) (http://www.kilu.lu.se/cas/research/green-technology-group/). The doctoral student project will be technically and theoretically challenging and scientifically inspiring, and CAS is an excellent educational environment for a doctoral student. As a country, Sweden offers one of the best employment conditions in the world for Ph.D. students, including a yearly salary of about €33000 and a strong social security net.

Qualifications

The following will be evaluated (desired qualifications):

• Approved course in physical chemistry on advanced level
• Approved course in chromatography on advanced level
• Experience of practical work with different chromatographic techniques
• Experience in troubleshooting and modifying/repairing analytical instruments Some experience of working with supercritical techniques
• Strong knowledge in modern separation technology and methodology
• Good skills in written and oral communication in Swedish, since a large part of teaching at basic courses in analytical chemistry takes place in Swedish.
• Strong ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific questions.
• Good cooperation ability, endurance and stability, creativity, personal maturity, and ability to organize and structure your work are considered positive qualities
• Numerical analytical ability Linguistic analytical ability
• Curiosity to learn new things and increase own knowledge
• Response to the assessment question below

Assessment question:

Describe the principles of the separation mechanism in size exclusion chromatography including terms such as elution volume, permeation limit and exclusion limit. (maximum 150 words). – Write your answer in the cover letter, together with a brief explanation. 

Eligibility

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who: -have completed a second-cycle degree; -have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or; -have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad. In addition, to be admitted to the doctoral education in chemistry the student must have at least 120 ECTS credits from courses in chemistry including an advanced MSc degree project of at least 30 ECTS credits in the selected specialisation (analytical chemistry). Other requirements: Good knowledge of English, in speech and writing.

Basis of assessment

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998:80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Application procedure

Apply online! The application must contain a letter (1/2 - 1 page) where the applicant describes him/herself and justifies why the applicant wants to start the doctoral education in analytical chemistry at Lund University, and in which way the research project matches their own interests and scientific background. The application must also include a CV, a copy of the diploma thesis or the equivalent or a summary if the work is not completed, a list of at least two references with contact information, copies of grades and other documents that the applicant wishes to rely on. In addition, the personal letter must address the Assessment question described above.