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

Job description

The oceans, "the blue fields", are considered by many to be important for future food industry. The project is interdisciplinary and deals with new marine food and consumer issues where analytical chemistry, biotechnology and social science are important disciplines. The purpose of the PhD project is to develop new advanced analysis methods for macro algae (seaweed). So-called "green" solvents will be used in the methods, for example mixtures of water, pressurized (supercritical) carbon dioxide and ethanol. Both health-promoting (e.g. carotenes, phlorotannins and sterols) and toxic substances (e.g. cadmium, mercury, lead, arsenic) in seaweed will be analysed. The aim of the project is partly to develop new, modern analytical methods, and partly to characterise seaweed samples and seaweed-based products of various kinds of consumer interest. The project is a collaboration between Lund University and the National Food Administration, and is financed by the Swedish Research Council Formas.

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:

• Approved course in chromatography on advanced level
• Experience of practical work with different chromatographic techniques, including troubleshooting analytical equipment
• Good knowledge in modern separation technology and methodology
• 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 main research question in your diploma (MSc) thesis and the most interesting result and conclusion from your study. Use a maximum of 150 words, and include this text in your letter.

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.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.