Doctoral student in Working Environment with focus on heat and health - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research and education in thermal environment, climate and health at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology are carried out in the field and at the Aerosol and Climate Laboratory with multidisciplinary and international collaborations. The research group has been coordinating and participating in several international and European projects in the area of climate change and health (https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/thermal-environment-climate-health/ ). The research group offers an interdisciplinary and transnational collaboration network, and provides access to an internationally leading laboratory.

Among research projects, the research group is leading a work package focusing on heat health early warning system in the ongoing EU High Horizons project “Heat Indicators for Global Health: Monitoring, Early Warning Systems and health facility interventions for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and young children and health workers.” funded by the European Union and the UK (https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/thermal-environment-climate-health/high-horizons/ ).

Subject description

The research area of thermal environment, climate and health is part of the research subject of working environment. The focus is on the effects of thermal (hot and cold) environments and extreme weather events on human health, thermal physiological responses, productivity, thermal stress and comfort, and well-being. The research is also carried out in the field to develop preventive and protective measures including heat and health early warning systems to reduce heat stress and related health outcomes.

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 include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

You will participate in an ongoing EU High Horizons project that involves 6 partners in the EU and UK, 3 in Africa and 1 international organisation (WHO). The research focuses on pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and health workers, groups heavily affected by climate change. The project will quantify and monitor direct and indirect health impacts of extreme heat; develop, test and evaluate a smartphone based Early Warning System (EWS) by incorporating integrated heat stress indices and personal vulnerability.

In your PhD studies you will participate in the development, test and evaluation of the EWS. You will create and publish new knowledge on heat impacts on maternal health care, thresholds of heat health early warning, as well as new knowledge on the usability and effectiveness of the EWS.

Your duties include:

• Systematic literature review on studies of heat impacts on maternal health care, particularly those studies where integrated heat stress indices are used.
• A smartphone app (ClimApp-MCH) will be developed and will deliver personalized heat health warnings and recommendations/messages that are co-designed for local users. Participation in the development of personalized heat stress early warning system including design of messages and recommendations to reduce heat stress and other heat related health outcomes.
• Participation in statistical data analyses of extreme weather events such as extreme heat on health outcomes including cut-off thresholds for early warning for heat stress and other heat related health outcomes.
• Field test of the EWS usability and effectiveness in the three countries (Sweden, South Africa, Zimbabwe) by involving pregnant and postpartum women, and health workers in collaboration with project partners.
• Evaluation of EWS usability and effectiveness for preventing heat related health risks.

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.

Specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Working Environment are that the applicant has:

• at least 50 credits in subjects 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.
• Documented experience and knowledge of statistical analysis (can be through courses or projects).

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to benefit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily based on academic results from the first and second cycle (bachelor and master) education and relevant experience. 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:

• Suitable background is a master’s degree/civil engineering degree with a broad competence profile and experience relevant to the research area, e.g. human thermal environments, thermal physiology, public and environmental health, maternal health, occupational health, prevention and protection of thermal stress, heat health risk assessment and management, biomedical engineering, and usability test of smartphone applications.
• The ability for skillful field and lab studies involving participants.
• Experience and knowledge of statistical analysis of the relationship between climate, environment and health.
• Experience in scientific publication and ability to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines in a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written, will be considered a merit as parts of the field studies will be carried out in workplaces where Swedish is spoken.

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 doctoral students as 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.

Terms of employment

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

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, educational background and experience. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, grade transcripts, two letters of recommendation including contact information for your references, and other documents you wish to be considered (written and oral communication skills in English, professional experience, etc.).

Welcome to apply!