Post-doctoral fellow in environmental science and micropollutants - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Exposure, toxicity and risk assessment of priority pollutants for regulation of circular material use

Incorrect use or inappropriate recycling of millions of tons of waste such as incineration residues and construction and demolition wastes threaten to create new pathways for pollutants and raise background levels. Robust risk assessment methodologies and guidance tailored to circular use are needed to prevent this. In our interdisciplinary research and development project at Lund University we aim to develop these together with partners from Linné university, Rise and stakeholders. The project covers studying chemical properties of waste, mobility of metals and PAH, as well as environmental exposure, ecotoxicity and bioavailability of these contaminants. In consultation with authorities, we adapt or revise existing risk assessment models and guidelines that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, County Administrative Boards and relevant industries have developed for recycling of waste in construction in the past.

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 shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

The work consists of field work (potentially), laboratory and experimental work, data analyses, risk assessments, as well as collaboration with stakeholders outside academia and scientific writing. Offsite work, for example at a laboratory outside of Lund university, might be included.

The fieldwork might include sampling of contaminated material, soil etc. The laboratory analyses focus on content, mobility (dusting, leaching), ecotoxicity, exposure and bioavailability of contaminants in materials for circular use, for example in recycling as construction material.

Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, statistical evaluation, hypothesis testing etc.

The work will result in several scientific publications and popular science reports to funders and stakeholders. The co-authoring of these is included in the project.

Communication and collaboration with stakeholders outside academia is part of the project scope. Administration related to the work duties listed above is included.

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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• A PhD degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD degree, within the subject area of the position. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability in the subject areas of environmental (geo)chemistry, ecotoxicity, environmental engineering or environmental science, but other subject areas may also be considered if they are considered relevant to the project.
• Documented experience in laboratory work with toxicity testing, bioavailability or exposure testing
• Documented capability of developing and conducting cross-disciplinary research of high standard
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good ability to write scientific text.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

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.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Documented experience of environmental sampling in the field
• Documented experience of bioavailability testing or method development of chemical analyses or toxicity tests
• Knowledge of risk assessment methodology and of mobility of environmental pollutants
• Experience of collaboration with stakeholders outside academia
• Experience of environmental auditing
• Experience of working with incineration residues
• Good knowledge of Swedish, oral and in writing.

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

Terms of employment
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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.