Post-doctoral fellow in Analytical Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Analytical chemistry, which is one of the fundamental chemistry subjects, is about the chemical characterisation of different samples, i.e. to determine how they are structured, what chemical compounds they contain and how much of each compound they contain. The research project "Quantitative fingerprints of chemical pollutants in pollinating insects", funded by FORMAS, is about developing new qualitative and quantitative methods for both known and unknown compounds in samples from gardens and agricultural areas with a focus on pollinating insects and pollen. Carbon dioxide expanded liquid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography with charged aerosol detection and high resolution mass spectrometry will be used as the main analytical techniques.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. There is also the possibility of training in leadership.

The work duties also include:

• Research within the subject area
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Possibly a smaller proportion of teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

The position includes departmental duties of 40%, which includes performing chemical analyses with chromatography-mass spectrometry.

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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented experience in performing analyses using chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometric detection
• Documented experience of working with supercritical fluid technology including supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography
• Ability to verbally and in writing communicate complex questions and resulting research results
• Driver's license for a passenger car

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.

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.

Additional assessment criteria:

At least one year of hands-on experience in method development within supercritical fluid extraction and/or supercritical fluid chromatography At least one year of hands-on experience in method development within high-resolution mass spectrometry Leadership credentials such as courses or documented leadership experience.

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 three 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• Contact information of at least two references,
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.
• Answer these questions (max 1 page):
  • What parameters/factors affect selectivity in supercritical fluid chromatography?
  • What makes supercritical fluid chromatography a more efficient separation technique than conventional liquid chromatography?
  • What are the main differences between low-resolution and high-resolution mass spectrometry?