Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Department of Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The Division of Combustion Physics carries out research with a distinct focus on development of laser spectroscopic techniques for solving future societal challenges in the engineering area within various application areas such as combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, remote sensing, ecology, biophotonics, etc. The Division has an extensive network within the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), with other universities, nationally as well as internationally, and with the industry. The Division is since 2001 located in modern premises housed in the Enoch Thulin Laboratory at the Dep. of Physics and there are currently about 65 employees.   

  • Are you interested in fundamental physics and interested in applying your knowledge in the environmental area?
  • Are you interested in measurement techniques based on lasers/optics/spectroscopy?
  • Would you like to contribute to an increased understanding of soot formation and the impact of soot on the climate?
  • Would you like to work in a research environment in collaborations with other researchers, nationally as well as internationally?
  • Are you challenged by experimental work in modern laser laboratories as well as advanced data analysis and modelling?
  • Do you like to challenge yourself and develop your skills?


Then it might be you we are looking for!

Background
Soot from combustion processes is detrimental for human health as well as it contributes to global warming. The optical properties of soot, i.e. efficiency to absorb and scatter light, determines their role in the global warming, and current research indicates their global impact to be second after carbon dioxide. These uncertainties are large partly because soot from different processes show varying characteristics (from brown carbon to black carbon). To increase our knowledge in this area, we develop and apply advanced methods to study the nano-structure, morphology and optical properties of soot, and how these properties develop during the soot formation process. For this reason, especially non-intrusive laser-based methods are developed at Combustion Physics.

Job assignment
The overall aim of the PhD-project is to improve the understanding of how optical properties of soot correlate with nano-structure and morphology, and how these characteristics change during the formation process from precursors, via inception of the first particles to mature soot. The work includes development and application of laser-based methods for characterization of soot particles in terms of sizes, concentrations and optical properties (absorption and scattering efficiencies). Various laser-based methods such as scattering (Rayleigh/Raman), laser-induced incandescence and laser-induced fluorescence will be developed and applied in soot aerosols and for in-situ measurements in flames. Additional measurements will be performed on sampled soot at the same conditions using e.g. electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. Flame conditions will be varied, for example influence of fuel additives will be investigated. The experimental work includes planning and setting up of experiments and performing measurement campaigns. Modelling work is done to interpret the measurement data from the various techniques. The research work will lead to writing of scientific papers published in international journals. Part of the work will be performed in collaboration with EAT (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology) at Lund University.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (approximately 10%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if the applicant:

  • has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
  • has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
  • has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in physics if the applicant has:

  • at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
  • an MSc in engineering in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Other requirements

  • Good knowledge in spoken and written English.
  • Good knowledge and experience from programming in Matlab or similar programming language.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

  1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.
  2. Estimated ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
  3. Skills in written and oral communication.
  4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

  • Knowledge within the areas laser spectroscopy, atomic- and molecular physics, optics, and aerosol physics acquired through university courses or other high-level education.
  • Practical experience from one or several of the aforementioned areas.
  • Knowledge and experience in pedagogics.

We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Application procedure
Apply online! Applications must contain a cover letter, which can be written in Swedish or English, in which you describe yourself and your particular research interests. Application must also include a CV, a copy of your Master’s thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that you wish to refer to.

You are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process. The answers can be written in Swedish or English. 

Type of employment Temporary position
First day of employment As soon as possible
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2019/4192
Contact
  • Professor Per-Erik Bengtsson, +46462223109, per-erik.bengtsson@forbrf.lth.se
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
  • SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-222 93 66
Published 13.Dec.2019
Last application date 20.Jan.2020 11:59 PM CET

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