Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology with focus on particle emissions in the transition to a sustainable transport system - 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 that have access to internationally leading laboratories. https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/airborne-particles-and-health/

The division also coordinates AEROSOLS, one of the newly inaugurated LTH profile areas at the faculty of engineering. Over 100 researchers from PhD-students to professors carry out multidisciplinary research on air quality and the impacts on health and climate with the aim to provide solutions to our major societal challenges. https://www.lth.se/english/research/profile-areas/aerosols/. The activities are also part of the strategic research areas NanoLund and MERGE. 

Subject description

Aerosols are mixtures of gases and particles, where the air we breathe is a common example. Health impacts by aerosol particles (measured as PM2.5) is today the largest environmental risk factor in Europe. The EU is currently drafting revised and sharpened emission and air quality legislations that will lead to environmental and health benefits but also cause a strong demand of aerosol scientists within industry, society and academia in the near future.

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector is currently going through a transition towards more sustainable technologies based . This transition will change the properties of aerosol emissions and thereby also affect air quality and the health impacts of air pollution in the general population and in work environments to unknown extent. 

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%).

In your PhD studies you will create new knowledge on how the characteristics of aerosol emissions from several of these sectors change as a consequence of the green transition. 

 Your duties include:

• To investigate transport emissions in laboratory experiments and to quantify exposures at workplaces. The sources include wear particles from brakes, road/tires and rail/wheel as well as exhaust emissions from renewable fuels.
• To quantify emissions from a new transport concept for shipping based on SOFC fuel cells in series with a combustion chamber.
• Experimental work with techniques for emission studies with high time-resolution: From low-cost sensor networks to techniques for time-resolved studies of elemental (metal), composition.
• Characterisation of collected samples and studies of the particle´s oxidative potential (a marker for toxicity).  

You will work in multidisciplinary collaborations with the aim to create the needed scientific basis for improved risk assessments of novel transport technologies. You will collaborate with internationally leading groups in both technology development (transport systems and fire technology) and toxicology.

Research during the PhD studies will primarily be experimental investigations in the lab and at workplaces, but theoretical work including parameterization of data will be included. It is expected that you put your own research in a societal perspective and have a strong engagement towards sustainable development. The Research during the PhD Studies is financed by EU (Horizon Projects NAUTILUS and PAREMPI) and AFA insurance.

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 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.

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:

• Suitable background is an MSc with a broad competence profile from relevant areas of physics, chemistry, aerosol science, material science, toxicology and sustainability.
• The ability for skillful laboratory and field experimental work is essential and demonstrated experience will be considered a merit.
• Experience in scientific interaction with researchers from other relevant disciplines.  

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 §§.

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.).

Welcome to apply!