Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology: Investigating Exhaled Particles and Viruses in the Air - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

Research into airborne particles and health at the Division of Ergonomics & Aerosol Technology at Lund University of Technology (LTH) is carried out by a dynamic group of researchers with access to internationally leading laboratories (https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/ airborne-particles-and-health/). The division is central within AEROSOLS, which is one of the profile areas at LTH with a total of just over 100 researchers who study air pollution, climate and other areas where airborne particles play a decisive role (https://www.lth.se/english/research/profile-areas/aerosols/).

Subject description

By aerosol we mean a particle suspension in a gas or gas mixture. The most common aerosol is our ambient air. Particles in our air environment have major effects on our health. For example, air pollution causes 9 million deaths globally each year. If smoking and airborne infection are included, the figure is more than twice as high. At the same time, airborne particles can be used for good purposes in, among other things, medical applications. Therefore, it is important to gain more knowledge about the effects of aerosols on our health.

The transmission of infectious diseases is one of humanity's greatest health problems, yet there are large gaps in our knowledge of viruses in exhaled air and how viruses are spread in air. The purpose of the doctoral project is to gain deeper knowledge about these issues. What viruses can be found in the air? How do they get there? How long can they retain their infectivity? When is risk highest of disease spreading through the air? Is there interaction between viruses and other air pollutants? What can we do to reduce airborne infection? How does climate affect the ability of viruses to spread in the air?

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%).

The doctoral work focuses primarily on the spread of infectious viruses between people. As a doctoral student, you will study the amount of aerosol particles that are spread via exhaled air and how common respiratory viruses survive in the air under different climate conditions. You carry out experimental investigations of airborne viruses in laboratories, but also participate in air sampling of viruses in a hospital environment. A large part of the work takes place in collaboration with virologists, microbiologists and medical doctors mainly at the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University. There is also the possibility to spend a few months of the doctoral training at other universities.

The duties include:

• Measurement of exhaled airborne particles and viruses from humans.
• Experimental investigation of airborne viruses.
• Collection and analysis of viruses in hospital air.

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.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented experimental experience from, for example, courses with laboratory elements.

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:

• Experience of running projects from, for example, non-profit activities, sports or previous jobs.
• Ability and skill in laboratory work or field measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with researchers from other relevant disciplines.
• Other desirable qualities are analytical skills, curiosity, power of initiative, dedication and creativity.
• Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, we like to see applicants from different backgrounds in, for example, physics, biotechnology, nanoscience, microbiology, virology, chemistry or medicine.

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. 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!