Researcher in synchrotron analysis of environmental samples - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Researcher in synchrotron analysis of environmental samples with main placement at the MAX IV Laboratory

Project description
Environmental systems are strongly determined by their microscale spatial heterogeneity that set conditions for their microbial drivers. We are studying these microhabitats and how they predict microbial functions, such as carbon cycling in soils. The project is run in close collaboration with microbial ecologists (https://www.biology.lu.se/research/research-groups/microbial-ecology) and engineers at the Department of Biomedical Engineering (http://bme.lth.se/research-pages/nanobiotechnology-and-lab-on-a-chip/). The cross-disciplinary environment will provide the candidate with ample possibilities to learn novel skills and methods.

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated researcher with experience in synchrotron spectromicroscopy techniques, or equivalent, for an interdisciplinary project joining microbial ecology at the Department of Biology, with the MAX IV Laboratory, both at Lund University. The project focuses on designing and performing synchrotron experiments on complex environmental samples, especially soil and microbial metabolites, with the possibility to incorporate microfluidic model systems.   

At MAX IV, you will be affiliated with the beamlines SoftiMAX (main) and NanoMAX (minor), which both are spectral & coherent imaging beamlines.

More information on the beamlines and their techniques can be found via https://www.maxiv.lu.se/accelerators-beamlines/beamlines/

Work duties
The main duties involved in this position are to conduct research fitting within the scope of the microbial ecology project and to contribute with developing methods, sample environments, and/or data pathways at the beamlines to boost this field, depending on experience and interest of the candidate. You will also learn to support relevant user groups at the beamline(s) with similar experiments and share general tasks with the beamline staff (maintenance/commissioning). The position includes the opportunity for training in higher education teaching and learning.

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, and relevant postdoctoral experience.

Specific requirements:

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field of natural science.
• Demonstrated experience in synchrotron-related techniques, or other relevant spectromicroscopy techniques such as XPS, (micro)spectroscopy approaches such as IR or Raman-microscopy or scattering techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis for image/ spectromicroscopy and /or X-ray data, such as Matlab or Origin, and data analysis of complex environmental samples such as with multivariate curve resolution.
• Experience in analysis with the above-named techniques of biological and environmental samples, such as soil or sediments, dissolved organic matter or aquatic samples.
• Very good proficiency in written and communicated English.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with beamline users and members of the research team.

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.

The following merits form assessment criteria for the position:

• Documented ability to develop and carry out and complete high-quality research.
• Experience in STXM and XRF Imaging hold special merit.
• Willingness to work flexible working hours during beamtime data acquisition.
• Scientific computer programming skills, preferably in Python or C++, and experience with large scale data processing.
• High intellectual capacity and problem-solving ability.
• Technical and analytical know-how, organization skills.
• Enthusiasm, dedication and an ability to work both independently and embedded in a team

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.  

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

Motivation letter Résumé/CV, including date of public PhD thesis defense or equivalent, title of the thesis, previous appointments, current position, academic distinctions and special expertise. Full list of publications Names, relation to and contact information of 2 professional references. Copy of the doctoral degree certificate