Post-doctoral position in Fire Safety with a focus on application of Virtual reality techniques - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Human behaviour in the event of a fire or accident can have a significant effect on how the process and what the consequences will ultimately be for the individual. Studies of human behaviour are therefore an important aspect in order to be able to describe the expected event outcome and also be able to predict likely actions in the case of a future accident. From an engineering perspective, the research area also covers how the individual's evacuation can be used to guided or assisted with the help of technical systems, influences from the environment and knowledge of the individual's abilities. Studies of human behaviour have traditionally been performed by laboratory experiments or under simulated conditions in a real environment. In recent times, computer-generated environments have also been more important, such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Augmented Virtuality. These are techniques that are part of today's research area on human behaviour in the event of fire.

The subject is thus focused on applying these new technologies to support the development of knowledge about human behaviour in the event of fire and how the technology as such can be developed and improved.

The subject is part of the research subject Fire Safety, which includes fire engineering design, modelling of various fire-related phenomena such as room fire, evacuation processes, load-bearing capacity for the building structures and development towards sustainable fire protection.

Work duties
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.

The work duties also cover:

• Research within the subject area.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

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.
• Very good knowledge about human behaviour in fires.

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 and creativity by being able to demonstrate an innovate ability as a researcher.

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:

• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Good knowledge in virtual modelling.
• Experience from research leadership.
• Experience from experimental research in the subject.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, integrity and an ability to view the research from an ethical perspective, 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 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/