Project assistant in reducing plastic use at Lund University

Description of the workplace 

Environmental and Energy Systems Studies division (IMES) is one of the oldest sustainability-focused research environments at Lund University, with its research and teaching dating from 1968. While based at the School of Engineering, the research conducted at the division is interdisciplinary and spans over five broad research areas: Fossil to Biobased, Industrial Transformation, Policy & Governance, Resources, Supply Chains & Security and Sustainable Futures. This position is located primarily within the Sustainable Futures research area. 

More about Sustainable Futures research area - www.tos.lth.se/english/sustainable-futures/about/

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

Our division in located in V-huset, LTH, and offers an intellectually stimulating and friendly work environment.

We also have a flexitime agreement that provides good conditions for work/life balance.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Work duties 

This position is focused on supporting activities within the Reduce, Reuse, Redesign: Lund University as a testbed for tackling the plastic crisis. This testbed project will provide pathways for a systematic reduction of plastic use at universities, combining a participatory approach that engages stakeholders throughout and a plastic inventory tool developed by our partner Plastic Free City.

You will be key to the execution of this project. Following the project’s timeline, your main tasks will be to:

• analyse existing practices in relation to plastics at Lund University, 
• gather qualitative data for research, engage with stakeholders, for example reach out to campus community and engage with the project’s pilot sites
• organise participatory workshops 
• conduct project communication. 

You will work closely with the project leader Ekaterina Chertkovskaya and our partner Plastic Free City (Germany), as well as liaise with various stakeholders within Lund University. 

Qualifications  

Required qualifications for the position are:

• You need to have good knowledge about plastics:  how it’s produced, consumed, disposed of and problems surrounding it.
• You have a bachelor’s degree.
• You are pursuing or have completed a master’s degree in the subjects sustainability studies, social sciences, anthropology, communication, or other programmes relevant for this position.
• You have a very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• You work well independently and in a team.
• You are reliable, have good communication skills and follow deadlines.
• You have experience of qualitative data collection and analysis.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• You have experience of ethnographic or anthropological methods.
• You have experience in communication with stakeholders, for example via organising events, making communication materials etc.
• You have good graphic skills and can design posters.
• You have practical experience of working with research or other initiatives that engage with the plastic crisis.
• You have experience of website editing.
• You are familiar with Lund University from prior employment or studies.
• You have coordination experience of small projects.

Consideration will also be given to 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. 

Further information                                           

This is a fixed term position for 8 months at 30 per cent of full time and starting as soon as possible, although not beyond 1 November 2024.

How to apply 

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include degree certificates or equivalent and names of at least 2 referees. Feel free to include any other documents to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, examples of your communication, writing skills, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome with your application!