Description of the workplace

The Division of Chemical Engineering at Lund University is a vibrant and collaborative environment located at Kemicentrum, one of the largest centers for education and research in chemistry in the Nordic region. Our division is home to approximately 65 colleagues, including researchers, doctoral students, and administrative staff. 

This position will be part of the Catalysis Group, led by Associate Professor Sara Blomberg, and the Biorefinery Group, led by Professor Ola Wallberg. Both groups are integral parts of the research center CESTAP, which includes several departments at LTH, RISE, and numerous companies.

At our division, we strive to create a positive work environment through open communication, regular safety rounds, and continuous professional development opportunities. We offer a diverse range of expertise in areas such as biomass fractionation, separation processes, and catalysis, providing a stimulating and supportive atmosphere for new employees.

Our current projects focus on sustainable chemical processes and the transition from fossil-based to bio-based production. For more information about our research and ongoing projects.

Subject description

The chemical stability of a fuel used in a critical applications (e.g. Aviation) is one of the most important property to ensure a safe function. At the same the requirements on storage time are up to 50 years within the power generation industry.  

This postdoctoral position focuses on evaluating the fuel stability and storage capabilities of bio-based aviation and power generation fuels developed and assessed within the CESTAP competence center. The work will be part of CESTAP WP 4, which deals with material science. Materials used within the fuel infrastructure affects the fuel, and vice versa.

The goal is to identify and understand the chemical reactions that cause the degradation of biofuels during storage, how the chemical reactions can be analyzed and how the degradation processes can be inhibited/slowed down. This includes investigating how storage conditions, production processes, additives, and material exposure affect the fuel's stability. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. You will be responsible to design and maintain laboratory set-ups for stability tests and associated analytical methods and evaluate and report the findings from the stability studies. 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:

• Research within the subject area
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Assisting in applying for further funding of the research
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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.

You have a PhD degree in either Chemical Engineering, analytical chemistry or organic chemistry and a large interest in taking part in developing aviation fuels based on non fossil raw materials. You will work in a competence centra which covers all aspects in developing and evaluating biobased aviation fuels and will need to have a broad understanding of other engineering subjects that are relevant. 

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented ability to develop analytical methods (physical or chemical)
• Ability to work independently and in teams with different educational backgrounds
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, analytical Chemistry or organic chemistry.

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:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, analytical Chemistry or organic chemistry.
• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Experience in several of the analytical methods that will be used such as GC, MS, IR, DCS, ICP-OES among others.
• Documented ability to develop analytical methods (physical or chemical)
• Experience in developing experimental methodology.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Experience from multi-disciplinary research environments

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.

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. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-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 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 also a tentative research plan for the above described research. 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!