Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology with focus on recycling and secondary use of materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research program on aerosols and health at the division of Ergonomics & Aerosol Technology at the faculty of engineering is carried out by a highly dynamic group of researchers with access to internationally leading laboratories. https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/airborne-particles-and-health/. Other examples of available infrastructure used in the research is the MAX IV laboratory – a national synchrotron facility run by Lund University. The research is often multi-disciplinary and performed in close collaboration with researchers in various subject disciplines. The department also coordinates AEROSOLS, one of the seven newly inaugurated LTH profile areas at LTH, with the aim to provide solutions to our major societal challenges related to clean air. https://www.lth.se/english/research/profile-areas/aerosols/. The research is also connected to the strategic research area NanoLund. https://www.nano.lu.se

Project and subject description

To create a sustainable society, we need to increase the circular use of materials, meaning that we need to utilise recycled materials and industrial side streams, replacing primary raw materials. The industrial transition needed will results in an increased risk of particle emissions to the air – both for occupational exposure (exposure of workers) and for the uncontrolled spread of toxic substances into the outer environment. Through various standardized and advanced techniques, we can gain a better understanding of both the material itself and of the properties of the particles being emitted to the air during secondary use, with the aim of minimizing emissions and exposure of toxic substances.

Work duties

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 work duties will also/can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

In your doctoral studies, you will focus on aerosol science in the area of safe material recylcing, both from a perspective of occupational exposures and of unintentional spread to the outer enviroment. Your PhD studies have two possible orientations: on safe recovery of metals from fly ash (the solid phase separated during flue gas cleansing), or on emissions and exposure of humans and the environment associated with circularity and secondary use of materials.

Your work will primarily be of an experimental nature, but will also include theory and emirical models. You will participate in studies in industrial environments to characterize and collect aerosol samples, as well as design and conducting studies in a laboratory environment.

Often, a set of various instruments and techniques is used to understand the physical, chemical and toxic properties of particles – from "state-of-the art" to standard instrumentation. Your work will include using synchrotron based spectroscopic techniques to investigate the various chemical forms of trace metals that occur in particles and residual/waste streams. This includes techniques such as XAS, XPS or nano-resolved XRF for chemical mapping in 2D.

Depending on your interest, greater emphasis can be placed in the area of occupational exposure, exposure of the outer environment or on characterisation of materials. Please indicate in the application if you are particularly interested in any of these areas.

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 field, including at least 25 second cycle credits, or
• a one- or two-year Master’s degree or an MSc in Engineering of relevance to the field

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience of experimental work (could be through work experience or education).

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 thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Appropriate background for employment is, for example, MSc/civil engineer in physics, chemistry, nanoscience, or environmental science/engineering
• Knowledge or experience from relevant areas such as environmental physics/environmental chemistry, statistics, aerosol science, material science, sustainability, recycling, or circular economy
• Knowledge in atomic and molecular physics and of advanced spectroscopic methods such as XPS or XAS
• Parts of the work will be performed in Swedish/Danish/Norwegian workplaces. Good proficiency (written and spoken) in Swedish, Danish or Norwegian is therefore a merit for one of the project branches described.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. We intend to employ 1-2 doctoral students. 

How to apply

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, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).