Research Engineer Position at the Lund Luminescence Laboratory - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties

We are looking for a colleague to join the Lund Luminescence Laboratory (LLL) as a Research Engineer on a permanent contract (75% FTE).

The main duty is to manage the daily operation of the laboratory under the direction of the head of the laboratory, Prof. Helena Alexanderson. Daily duties will include (but are not limited to): ensuring the day-to-day running of LLL, preparing samples, carrying out data analyses and planning measurements, supervision of and training of students and guest researchers, liaising with internal and external collaborators, research in keeping with laboratory strategy including methodological development, and assisting senior and junior LLL researchers in their work. As a Research Engineer you are also encouraged to incorporate your own project initiatives into your duties and we particularly welcome applicants who would be keen to apply collaboratively with LLL for future funding initiatives both as a research team and as independent researchers.

As this position requires the ability to fully manage a luminescence laboratory and to train and supervise junior laboratory members, it is expected that you are already familiar and comfortable with working in a luminescence darkroom laboratory environment. You are expected to be able to carry out (as well as supervise and train in) the following duties:

• All stages of sample preparation (including, but not limited to sieving, acid treatment, drying, weighing, fine-grain separation, density separation),
• Sample preparation for gamma spectrometry (or a willingness to learn),
• Aliquot preparation and measurement sequence programming,
• Luminescence data analyses and management,
• Overseeing the running of the luminescence readers, including basic maintenance,
• And general laboratory maintenance and management (documentation, sample storage, consumable purchasing, overseeing equipment maintenance, risk assessment, ensuring the lab is fully functional).

Our ideal colleague will be passionate about luminescence dating and enthusiastic about contributing to our growing research team at LLL. You are confident in working independently but are always willing to be a team player and work collaboratively. You must be an excellent communicator as it is expected that you will work broadly with all members of LLL and with our internal and external collaborators. You must be confident with handling delicate sample material and working in hazardous conditions (ie with chemicals and radiation sources). You should be prepared to do some travel for fieldwork or for analyses at other laboratories and to contribute to the collegiate and varied work environment of LLL.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a natural science
• Previous experience working in a luminescence dating laboratory in a formal capacity (student or staff level)
• Experience of working with chemicals, e.g HF or similar
• Excellent knowledge of luminescence dating sample preparation
• Good knowledge of luminescence sample analysis using a luminescence reader and Analyst/Sequence Editor or corresponding software
• Excellent spoken and written command of English
• Excellent teamwork and organisational skills

Other merits

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in geology, geography, archaeological science, physics or chemistry
• Experience in laboratory management
• Experience in luminescence methodological development
• Experience in luminescence research
• Experience preparing luminescence dating results for publication
• Experience in luminescence sampling fieldwork
• Experience in geological or geoarchaeological research
• Experience in writing grant applications
• Good written and spoken command of Swedish (or willingness to learn)
• Driver’s licence

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the LLL and the Department of Geology, as well as contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

Permanent position with preferred start date as soon as possible. A probationary period of 6 months may be applicable. The scope of the employment is part time (75%).

Contact person to be written in the advertisement: Helena Alexanderson, professor, helena.alexanderson@geol.lu.se

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications. The application should also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent and a letter of reference.  You may also attach other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, PhD exam, contact information for your references, etc.).