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

Job description

Develop metabolomics methods based on gas-, liquid-, and supercritical liquid chromatography (GC, UHPLC, UHPSFC) with different mass spectrometry (MS) based detectors. These methods will subsequently be applied on biological materials, including blood samples from both cross-sectional studies and intervention studies, as well as tissue and cell cultures.

Research environment

The doctoral student project will be conducted at the Department of Chemistry (KILU), the Center for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS), in close collaboration with research groups within the Lund University Diabetes Centre. The doctoral student project will be technically and theoretically challenging and scientifically inspiring, and CAS/LUDC are excellent educational environments 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):

• Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in chemistry, especially analytical chemistry (requirement) and biochemistry (advantage)
• Approved advanced course in mass spectrometry
• Approved advanced course in chromatography
• Approved advanced course in biochemistry Experience of practical work with chromatographic techniques (e.g. liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography) and mass spectrometry Experience in troubleshooting and modifying/repairing analytical instruments
• Strong knowledge in modern separation technology and methodology
• Strong knowledge in software such as Matlab and/or R
• Strong knowledge in statistics 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. This is not a requirement, but it is desirable.
• Assessed ability to work independently and ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can, for example, be based on undergraduate research experience, a MSc thesis or a discussion on scientific problems during an interview.
• Good cooperation ability, endurance and stability/security, creativity, personal maturity, and ability to organize and structure your work are considered positive qualities
• Numerical analytical ability Linguistic analytical ability
• Have a 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 reversed phase chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, and how qualitative and quantitative data can be generated from a high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer. Describe how the difference between two sample series, in which 200 different compounds were measured, can be statistically evaluated. Write your answer to these questions (maximum 200 words) 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.