Post-doc in aerosol science (collaboration between LTH and MAX IV) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Hosting institution
The employment is at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, but major part of the work will be undertaken at MAX IV laboratory.

Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology (http://www.eat.lth.se), is part of the Department of Design Sciences (http://www.design.lth.se/), Faculty of Engineering (LTH).

MAX IV is a Swedish national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University. It provides Swedish and international scientists with state-of-the-art instrumentation for research in areas such as engineering, physics, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. Fully developed it will receive more than 2 000 scientists annually, conducting ground-breaking experiments in materials and life sciences using the brilliant X-ray light.

Subject description - Aerosol science through applied spectroscopy

Aerosol science is the study of aerosols (airborne particles in the nanometer to micrometer size range); their properties, measuring techniques, health risks, effects on climate, clean-room technology, nano technology and pharmaceutical applications. The aerosol group in Lund has long experience of working with national and international projects and runs a well-equipped aerosol laboratory.

FinEstBeAMS at the MAX IV 1.5 GeV storage ring is a material- and atmospheric science beamline operating in the vacuum ultraviolet and soft x-ray range of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is dedicated to provide high quality radiation with precisely controlled and widely variable parameters for a broad range of research. Studies at FinEstBeAMS range from the electronic structure of free atoms, molecules, clusters and atmospheric particles in a gas phase and on surfaces to formation analysis and nanoscale characterisation of surfaces and interfaces.

Using synchrotron based spectroscopic techniques provides new opportunities for detailed studies of the particle properties and chemical transformations in the aerosol phase. The Post Doc project is a collaboration between the engineering faculty and MAX IV laboratory to strengthen Aerosol Science research at MAX IV, addressing key questions related to climate and health that are of utmost importance for society. One of the main goals of the project is to develop a sample environment for in-flight studies of aerosols at FinEstBeAMS.

Work duties
We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate for a 2-year position to be a part of the beamline team (FinEstBeaMS), working with development of instrumentation for aerosol research and conducting related research. The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

In this role the candidates' tasks will consist of, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Development of a mobile aerodynamic lens system for aerosol studies - design, construction and commissioning of the aerodynamic lens arrangement.
• Taking an active part in the research projects connected to the designed sample environment and projects related to high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy within aerosol science
• The postdoc is expected to take an interest in cross-beamline research with the aim to further the development of aerosol research at other MAX IV beamlines, both in the soft x-ray and the hard x-ray regions.
• User support in general, and specifically to the aerosol science community and taking part in workshops, outreach efforts and conferences.
• Contributions to applications for external research funding.

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 applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Demonstrated experience of independent experimental laboratory work.
• A documented background in aerosol science, synchrotron-based spectroscopy, and/or other relevant fields.

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.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Scientific communication skills.
• Experience in experimental aerosol science and/or atmospheric chemistry holds special merit.
• Experience in instrument development, especially in aerosol science.
• Experience in X-ray photoemission and/or photo-absorption spectroscopy.
• Certain experience in advanced data analysis, CAD-design and programming skills.

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. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more:

http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/