Doctoral student in Aerosol Technology with Focus on Non Exhaust Transport Emissions from Sustainable Transport Systems

Description of the workplace

The research program on aerosols and health at the division of Ergonomics & Aerosol Technology at the faculty of engineering is carried out by a dynamic group of research that have access to internationally leading laboratories. Airborne Particles and Health

The division also coordinates AEROSOLS, one of the excellence areas at the faculty of engineering. Over 100 researchers and PhD Students carry out interdisciplinary research on the sources of air pollution, air quality and the impacts on health and climate with the aim to provide solutions to our major societal challenges. LTH Profile Area: Aerosols. The activities are also part of the strategic research areas NanoLund and MERGE.

Subject description

Aerosols are mixtures of gases and particles, where the air we breathe is a common example. Exposure to aerosol particles (measured as PM2.5) is today the largest environmental risk factor in Europe. EU has recently decided on sharpened transport emission and air quality legislations which will cause a strong demand for aerosol scientists within industry, society and academia. The transition to electrification and more sustainable fuels will reduce the exposure to tailpipe emissions. This makes non-exhaust emissions (NEE) from brakes, tyres and roads the dominating aerosol emissions from road transport. Particles in NEE may contain metal oxides, microplastics and quartz. However, the characteristics and toxicological properties of NEE from different sources remain poorly known, inhibiting formulating efficient policy.

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%).

You will work in interdisciplinary collaborations with a shared aim to improve the scientific basis for risk assessments and policy of non-exhaust transport emissions. You will collaborate with internationally leading groups in both technology development / Tribology and Occupational & Environmental Medicine / Toxicology. Your research will include experimental investigations, data analysis and data parameterization. It is expected that you put your own research in a societal perspective and have a strong engagement for sustainability. As PhD student, you will communicate your results broadly through international scientific publications and conferences, to stakeholders, and in popular science.

 Your work duties and responsibilities include:

• Source characterisation using laboratory studies of NEE from brakes, tires and roads
• Occupational and environmental exposures: Quantify emissions and exposures to NEE and exhaust in field experiments.
• Application of aerosol characterisation techniques including novel techniques for chemical and elemental composition and low-cost sensor networks.
• Toxicity screening: In-lab characterization of PM oxidative potential (a simple marker for toxicity) and collaboration with toxicologists.

The Research is financed by AFA insurance, Swedish Research Council VR and the EU Project PAREMPI.

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 in laboratory or field studies (can be through courses).

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:

• Background/Education: We expect you to have a MSc in natural or engineering sciences, with a broad competence profile from relevant areas of physics, chemistry, aerosol science, material science, toxicology and sustainability.
• The ability for skillful laboratory and field experimental work is essential and demonstrated experience will be considered a merit.
• Experience in scientific interaction with researchers from other relevant disciplines.

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 are 4 years full time studies. In case of involvement in teaching and other departmental duties, the employment can be extended correspondingly, however not longer than to 5 years of full time employment (which includes max 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!