Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology with focus on health relevant workplace emissions - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research on aerosols and health at the division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology is carried out by a highly dynamic group of eight senior researchers and twelve PhD students with access to internationally leading laboratories. https://www.eat.lth.se/english/research/airborne-particles-and-health/. The work is often multi-disciplinary and performed in close collaboration with researchers in various disciplines. Aerosol research is carried out within the profile area AEROSOLS, which is one of eight  profile areas of LTH, with the aim to provide solutions to our major societal challenges related to clean air, both nationally and globally https://www.lth.se/english/research/profile-areas/aerosols/. The research is also connected to the strategic research area NanoLund. https://www.nano.lu.se.

Project and subject description

Air pollution, especially airborne particles, is the primary environmental cause of death globally. To create a safe and sustainable society, we need to understand this exposure and its sources. At workplaces, air pollution levels are often particularly high, and herewe are also facing potential problems from emissions of new types of air pollution, for example from production and handling of manufactured nano materials, or recycling of batteries from the green transition.  From a health- and regulatory point of view, not only the levels of airborne pollutants are of interest, the physico-chemical properties (such as particle size, shape, and chemical composition) of the emissions govern their potential toxicity. 

Using various standardized and emerging techniques, we can gain a better understanding of the particle properties and thereby generate knowledge important for understanding their toxicity potential. The aim is to thereby better understand the potential risks of various industrial procedures and minimize uncontrolled emissions and exposure of toxic substances.

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

The doctoral studies will be within aerosol science in the area of assessment and characterization of workplace emissions. The focus of the work will mainly be on using state-of-the art approaches to assess health-relevant particle properties, partly also on collecting aerosol samples and use these for toxicological (in-vitro) screening.

Your work will primarily be of an experimental nature, but will also include theory and emirical models. You will participate in studies in industrial environments to characterize and collect aerosol samples, as well as design and conduct analytical studies of collected aerosols in a laboratory environment.

Often, a set of various instruments and techniques is used to understand the physical, chemical and toxic properties of particles – from "state-of-the art" to standard instrumentation. Your work will include using synchrotron based spectroscopic techniques to investigate the various chemical forms of trace metals that occur in airborne particles. This includes techniques such as XAS, XPS or nano-resolved XRF for chemical mapping in 2D.

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
• Experience of experimental work (could be through work experience or education)

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 based on academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and experience 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:

• appropriate background for employment is, for example, MSc/civil engineer in physics, chemistry, nanoscience, risk or environmental science/engineering
• knowledge or experience from relevant areas such as aerosol science, environmental physics/environmental chemistry, statistics, material science, or sustainability
• documented skills in laboratory work or field work

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, such as 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. The division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology actively works on maintaining an environment where openness, teamwork, and support amongst the collegium is highly valued.

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!