Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology with focus on Particle Emissions from Biomass Combustion and Accidental Fires  - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Aerosol Science in Lund

Aerosol science at Lund University is interdisciplinary and conducted in collaboration between several groups at the engineering and medicine faculty. Aerosol means a particle suspension in a gas or a mixture of gases. The most common aerosol is our ambient air. Particles in ambient air have a major impact on our health and the environment. Therefore, it is important to gain more knowledge about the health effects due to different types of pollutants in the air. Particles can also be used for good purposes in medical applications and nanotechnology. More information about the research group https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/airborne-particles-and-health/. The aerosol research in Lund is also part of several multidisciplinary research centers: CAST (www.cast.lth.se), MERGE (www.merge.lu.se) och Metalund (www.metalund.lu.se).   

Particle Emissions from Biomass Combustion and Accidental Fires

Biomass combustion occurs on many different scales (wildfires, residential heating and cooking) and have huge impact on both climate and health. Emissions from accidental fires are currently of sharpened focus, both in terms of emissions and occupational exposure to fire fighters. It is today difficult to predict and model emission levels and emission characteristics from combustion conditions and fuel properties. It is also unclear which particle properties are responsible for the adverse health impacts. Therefore, more detailed studies on pollutant formation and emission characteristics are needed for biomass combustion and other accidental fires.

Work duties

In this project, state of the art techniques for highly time-resolved emission characterization (for example aerosol mass spectrometry) will be applied to different combustion sources ranging from highly controlled laboratory studies to upscaled more realistic scenarios. In select experiments the effects of atmospheric processing will be studied using an oxidation flow reactor. The following sources will be considered:

1. Highly controlled laboratory studies using a cone-calorimeter set-up and laboratory flames for a number of relevant fuels and combustion conditions, 
2. Upscaled simulated fire experiments in different environments.
3. Measurement of the personal breathing zone exposure to fire smoke and other carbonaceous aerosols at workplaces.    

The work is multi-disciplinary and will be carried out in close collaboration with expertise in soot formation/fire safety engineering, atmospheric research and health impacts of PM. 

The PhD studies are primarily experimental, but theoretical work including summarising the data in physically based parameterisations will be included. 

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 tasks may also include participation in teaching and other institutional work (no more than 20%). More information about the division can be found on our website (www.eat.lth.se).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes 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 Aerosol Technology if the applicant has:

• at least 50 credits of relevance to the topic area, including at least 25 credits at advanced level, or
• engineering degree, master's degree or master's degree relevant to the topic area. Examples of relevant topic areas are physics, chemistry, nanoscience, environmental science/engineering, microbiology and medicine. 

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience of experimental work in laboratory (could be through courses)

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the planned PhD education 
2. Estimated ability to work independently as well as the ability to formulate and solve scientific problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experiences relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, skills in experimental and theoretical work, drive, independence and perseverance, and how the applicant, through her or his experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be employed as a PhD student. Third cycle studies at LTH are 4 years full time studies. In case of involvement in teaching and other departmental duties, employment can be extended correspondingly, however not longer than to 5 years of full time employment (which includes max 20% departmental duties). Employment of PhD student is subject to regulations given in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100). 

Instructions on how to apply

Apply online. Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, grade transcripts, two references with their contact information and other documents you wish to be considered (letters of recommendation, etc.).