Postdoctoral position in Water Resources Engineering with focus on water contamination with PFAS - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

At the Division of Water Resources Engineering, in the Department of Building and Environmental technology, research and teaching pursue the understanding of how water resides and is transported in nature and in urban systems. At the division, there are around 30 employes and in total 20 PhD students. The current position is within the water quality group that covers research in drinking water quality and treatment, source water quality and contaminaton, and microbial ecology in water.

Subject description

Water contamination with per- and polyfluorinated compounds PFAS is affecting nearly one-third of the drinking water sources in Sweden. In Sweden, a substantial part of the PFAS occurrences in the aquatic environment is connected to unconfined utilization of the firefighting foam containing PFAS.

The postdoc is primarily focused on the impact of the firefighting activities and use of firefighting foam on the regional water quality, both surface waters and groundwaters. The research objective is to investigate the water contamination with PFAS and study the mechanisms of the water contamination associated with firefighting activities on the regional level.

Work duties

The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, as well as administrative tasks (including coordination of the laboratory and analytical work), with an extent up to 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. 

The research tasks of the postdoc include: historical analysis of the firefighting foam application aspects and scenarios; identification and analysis of the firefighting foam compositions; analysis of the contaminant emission and spread mechanisms; assessment of the hydrogeological conditions and water susceptibility; assessment of the regional water contamination state and prediction of the emission rates and contamination profiles.

Work is carried out in interdisciplinary environment and involves a close cooperation with water utilities, fire-rescue services, civil contingency agency, nature protection authorities, chemical inspection and reginal administrative boards. An important aspect of the work includes communication of the research outcomes with the stakeholders and authorities. Field investigation and survey are expected to be a part of the postdoc work.

Postdoc is expected to present results at international conferences, produce high quality scientific papers, and play a role in disseminating the results. The postdoc is also expected to actively participate in and contribute to the general scientific discussion in the research groups and relevant project proposal development.

The work duties include:

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

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.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented expertise in investigation of source water and groundwater contamination with PFAS.
• Documented expertise in PFAS and related analytical methods.
• Experiences in the investigation and analysis of the fire-fighting equipment, firefighting foam and technical aspects of PFAS implementation.
• Knowledge in the surfactant systems and intermolecular interactions.

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:

• Skills in analytical methods and laboratory work coordination.
• Experience in PFAS analysis and analytical methods (including mass spectrometry and x-ray fluorescent analysis).
• Knowledge in the fire service technology, firefighting foam and technical aspects of foam use.
• Experience in cooperation with authorities and development of the protocols and recommendations on PFAS.
• Knowledge in sorption and transport in heterogeneous media.
• Experience in conducting of the field investigation and PFAS measurements.
• Experience in cooperation with fire-rescue services and civil contingency agency.
• Project management experience.

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.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 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

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!