Post-doctoral fellow in Synchrotron Analysis (of environmental samples) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Post-doctoral fellow in synchrotron analysis of environmental and microfluidic samples with main placement at the MAX IV Laboratory

Subject description
Environmental systems are strongly determined by their microscale spatial heterogeneity that set conditions for their microbial drivers. We are studying these microhabitats and how they predict microbial functions such as carbon cycling in soils.

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow with experience in synchrotron analyses or equivalent, for an interdisciplinary project in microbial ecology at the Department of Biology, Lund University with placement at the MAX IV Laboratory. The project focuses on developing and using microfluidic models for synchrotron analyses of complex environmental samples, and will be conducted in close collaboration with microbial ecologists (https://www.biology.lu.se/research/research-groups/microbial-ecology) and engineers at the Department of Biomedical Engineering (http://bme.lth.se/research-pages/nanobiotechnology-and-lab-on-a-chip/). The cross-disciplinary environment will provide the candidate with ample possibilities to learn novel skills and methods.

At MAX IV, you will be affiliated with the beamlines SoftiMAX (main) and NanoMAX, which both are spectral imaging beamlines designed to take full advantage of the coherence properties of MAX IV’s X-ray beam. SoftiMAX is a soft X-ray spectromicroscopy imaging beamline, coming into user operation in 2021. Available techniques on the first branch include Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM), ptychography, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping. NanoMAX is a hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline in operation since 2017. Available techniques include scanning X-ray diffraction and coherent imaging in the Bragg geometry, forward ptychography and coherent diffraction imaging, as well as XRF mapping. More information on the beamlines can be found via https://www.maxiv.lu.se/accelerators-beamlines/beamlines/

Work duties
The main duty involved in this post-doctoral position is to conduct high- quality research, alongside tasks such as developing methods & workflows/sample environments & microfluidic chips/data analysis pathways at the beamlines, and supporting relevant user groups at the beamline(s). The latter tasks are all performed as part of a team, consisting of the groups at Biology & Engineering and the imaging beamlines at MAX IV. The position moreover includes the opportunity for training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier (this may be adjusted based on, for example, documentation of parental leave or military service).

Specific requirements:

• PhD certificate in a relevant field of natural science or engineering
• Demonstrated experience in synchrotron-related techniques, or other relevant (spectro)microscopy techniques such as XPS, analytical electron microscopies, like STM or TEM, or microspectroscopy approaches such as Raman-microscopy
• Demonstrated experience in image/spectromicroscopy and /or X-ray data analysis
• Experience or strong interest in biological and environmental applications
• Very good proficiency in written and communicated English
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with beamline users and members of the research team

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

The following merits form assessment criteria for the position:

• Documented ability to develop and carry out high-quality research
• Experience in STXM and XRF Imaging hold special merit
• Willingness to work flexible working hours during beamtime data acquisition
• Scientific computer programming skills, preferably in Python (or C++), and experience with large scale data processing
• High intellectual capacity and problem-solving ability
• Technical and analytical know-how, organization skills
• Enthusiasm, dedication and an ability to work both independently and embedded in a team

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Motivation letter
• Résumé/CV, including date of public PhD thesis defense or equivalent, title of the thesis, previous appointments, current position, academic distinctions and special expertise
• Full list of publications
• General description of past research and future research interests (no more than one page)
• Names, relation to and contact information of 2 professional references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.