Postdoctoral position in aerosol physics

Description of the workplace
The position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, a division with around 100 employees where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research Centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The division includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The Division has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master's programme "Engineering Nanoscience" at LTH.

We offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Subject description
Over the last twenty years, our research into the production of advanced nanomaterials consisting of nanoparticles produced by aerosol technology has been at the international forefront. We want to extend our research in this area by designing, building, and testing a new aerosol nanoparticle system, mainly with a view to applications in catalysis. A significant part of the position involves aerosol instrumentation.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se

Work duties
The main duty 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 includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity for further development.

The specific research project focuses on leading the design, construction, and testing of a new aerosol nanoparticle system to develop the methodology of using aerosol technology to produce nanoparticle-based materials. The main work involves the design, testing, and development of the optimal combination of aerosol instruments to control aerosol formation. The work also includes the design, simulation, testing, and construction of the aerosol nanoparticle generator itself based on spark discharge. You will be expected to lead all aspects of the project, which involves the cosupervision of a PhD student and Master students, and interaction with both companies and international research groups with whom we collaborate.

Although the main focus of the position is on method development, part of the research will involve using the designed system to increase understanding of how the properties of nanoparticles affect their efficiency in catalytic reactions. This work will also involve characterization, including electron microscopy, of the properties of the nanoparticles. The position also includes taking responsibility for the knowledge of aerosol instruments, aerosol measurements, and aerosol processes in the group. You will be responsible for pedagogical sessions that develop the knowledge level of the group.

The work tasks include:

• research on method development of aerosol technology for new nanoparticle-based materials
• project management
• co-supervision of graduate and postgraduate students
• interaction with aerosol instrument companies and other international research groups active in aerosol technology
• some catalysis research
• some teaching at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level
• some procurement work
• administration related to the above tasks

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. Such circumstances can be work experience outside of academic research that is relevant to the employment's subject area and work duties.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The subject area for the doctorate degree should be physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, or equivalent with a focus on aerosols.
• You should have both practical experience and theoretical knowledge of aerosol instruments and aerosol processes.
• You must have proven experience in project management.
• You should have experimental experience in installing and characterizing aerosol set-ups containing aerosol instruments for e.g., measurement, deposition, or production of aerosol nanoparticles.

Assessment criteria
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.

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.

Other qualifications:

• Experience working with gases (including work with mass flow controllers, vacuum pumps, and gas valves)
• Good collaboration skills
• Good communication skills and ability to convey knowledge
• Experience in programming
• Proven record of writing scientific articles.
• Experience with electron microscopy
• Good ability to exercise leadership in projects

Consideration will also be given to 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.

Further information
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”).

How to apply
The application must be written in English and contain a letter in which you briefly describe yourself and your research interests, including contributions to the described research project. The application must also contain a CV, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate, a list of at least two references with contact details, copies of grades and other documents that you wish to refer to.

Applicants are also required to answer job specific questions in the application process.

Welcome with your application!