Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology with focus on toxicity of airborne particles - 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 departments including the Departments of Design Sciences, Physics and Medicine. 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: CHIE (www.chie.lth.se), CAST (www.cast.lth.se), NanoLund (https://www.nano.lu.se/) and Metalund (www.metalund.lu.se).  

Toxicity of airborne particles

Airborne particles have detrimental health effects, but the characteristics that drive their toxicity are poorly understood. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation potential is a marker of particle toxicity. Determination of ROS formation potential and correlating it with physical and chemical properties of particles will increase understanding of toxicity of particles. This in turn will guide better control measures to reduce toxic exposures. 

Work duties

This doctoral work will focus primary on studying toxicity of airborne particles. It will involve experimental work in linking particles’ physicochemical properties with reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation potential. We will explore the role of chemical composition of the core of the particles and organic coating on ROS formation potential. A novel instrument will be built for real time ROS determination. Real time and off-line ways of ROS determination will be used for particles from different sources including candle burning, cooking, e-cigarettes, microplastics, outdoor pollutants (including soot) as well as their mixtures to capture real life cocktail effect, as toxicity of mixtures can be different than of the individual components. A battery of aerosol measurement techniques, including on-line Aerosol Mass Spectrometry will be used to assess the physicochemical properties of the particles. Measurements will be carried out in laboratory, inside occupied residences, in workplaces and outdoors. This doctoral work is multi-disciplinary and will be carried out in close collaboration with experts within toxicology, indoor air chemistry, atmospheric processes, and medicine.

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%). 

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, toxicology, 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.).