Postdoctoral position in Technology and Society – Pathways to sustainable decarbonised plastics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Department of Technology and Society is an inter- and multidisciplinary research environment focused mainly on societal sustainability challenges. The position is placed at the Division of Environmental and Energy Systems Studies (EESS) and is part of the newly initiated Sparbanken Skåne Centre for Sustainable Enterprising (SSCEN), a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Economics and Management funded through a generous donation. EESS has about 30 employees and SSCEN engages four PhD students, several post-docs and four senior researchers that lead the Center. You are expected to spend time as a post-doc in both these research environments. You will also be part of a wider Lund University network of researchers that work on plastics and sustainability.

Subject description

EESS and SSCEN is looking for a post-doc to contribute to the research on pathways towards more sustainable systems of production and consumption of plastics. Plastics are increasingly recognized as a challenge for environmental sustainability through their links to the triple planetary crisis spanning pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Although climate change mitigation is in focus in the envisioned research, a comprehensive approach that links the different crisis aspects is encouraged.

Options for mitigating the negative environmental impacts of plastics range from reducing demand, improving materials efficiency, increasing circularity of plastics, and eliminating the use of fossil fuels for energy and feedstock in plastic production. This raises many potential research questions, e.g.:

• How and in which applications can plastics be used sustainably in the future?
• Can essential use of plastics be defined in some contexts?
• What is the role of businesses, from local firms to multinational corporations, policymakers, and other stakeholders in addressing the plastics crisis?
• What does a future fossil-free plastics system look like and how do we get there? What policy and governance approaches are needed?

You are expected to present your own ideas in a short (1-2 pages) research plan outlining aims, research approach, as well as the relevance of the research for businesses, policymakers, and/or other stakeholders.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area
• Teaching and supervision in the first, second and third cycle of studies
• Collaboration with relevant societal actors
• Report on and actively engage in various SSCEN activities

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A relevant research background in social science, engineering, or economics and management.
• Ability to collaborate and work in teams.

Assessment criteria

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.

Other qualifications:

• We will consider the quality and originality of the submitted research plan as an additional qualification.
• Other relevant professional experience is considered an additional qualification.
• It is also considered an additional qualification if you have documented engagement in research networks, policy issues or experience of public outreach or engaging with wider society.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within SSCEN and the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 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”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV, a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications, and a 1-2 page research plan outlining aims, research approach, as well as the relevance of the research for businesses, policymakers, and/or other stakeholders. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome to apply!