Doctoral student in Technology and Society – specialised in critical materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The division Environmental and Energy Systems Studies is a part of the Department of Technology and Society at Lund University. We are slightly more than 30 employees at the division who research and educate on the transition of energy systems and heavy industry, policy analysis, life cycle assessments and technology assessments. Our research is often part of multidisciplinary research projects in collaboration with other universities, research institutes and societal stakeholders. The division has an internal seminar series, where we present our research to each other and you will be part of a group of researchers working within the same or closely related fields.

Subject description

The doctoral student will be admitted to doctoral studies in technology and society, specialised in critical raw materials. The climate transition of energy systems increases demand for low carbon technologies and the materials embedded in those technologies. Some of those materials are perceived as critical. In recent years, interest among researchers and policymakers is increasing to better understand the dynamics of which materials are indeed critical for low carbon transitions and why. Methods currently used for assessing criticality do not sufficiently capture the rapid technological change that impacts material demand. For example, battery chemistries are changing. The aim with the doctoral project is to develop methods that improve the understanding of how technological development can impact which materials that are, or could become, critical.

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

You will be part of the interdisciplinary research program MISTRA Mineral Governance. The program is led by Lund University in collaboration with Stockholm University, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), The Swedish Institute for International Affairs (UI) and The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI).

In the research program you will collaborate with senior researchers and be responsible for developing tools for assessing how critical different raw materials are. This can include mapping material use for low carbon technologies of different levels of maturity, develop methods for forecasting and/or scenario based assessments of future material demand and other mainly quantitative methods to analyse uncertainties. The research will be valuable for developing future European and Swedish policies on critical raw material security.

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 Technology and Society if the applicant has:

• At least 30 credits on advanced level of relevance for the subject.

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:

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

Other assessment criteria:

• Theoretical and/or practical experience of working with quantitative methods.
• Theoretical and/or practical experience of technology assessments, material flow analysis, industrial ecology or similar.

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. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-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

The application should 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, a short description of a study or an research idea you would like to pursue that is in line with the project (maxium one page), 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!