Temporary position as researcher at the Division of Building Materials

Description of the workplace

The position will be located at the Division of Building Material, which is a division within the Department of Building and Environmental Technology. The research and teaching at the division mainly covers materials used in the construction sector. The research therefore covers many different material groups, but with the common objective of studying and understanding processes in materials, often in relation to moisture and durability issues. Recently, a new research area has been established and regardless of application, are studies on new binder combinations with lower climate impact evaluated in relation to today's Portland cement. The intention is that these new binders, with a lower carbon footprint, should be able to be applied in several areas such as, for example, in concrete manufacturing and soil stabilization. 

We are now looking for a researcher for a temporary position because the department has been granted a major research project that is expected to be implemented over the next two years. This while three of the division's permanent employeed teachers will be on leave during the period.

Work duties

The position is part of the department's research in the area of binder combinations with lower climate impact. Portland cement is currently used for stabilization of soils and excavated masses, and since there are often large masses to be treated, there is a significant potential to reduce the climate impact by changing the binder. Within the position, you will develop guidelines for the introduction of new binders for stabilization of soils and excavated masses. Furthermore, you will investigate which different types of binders should be used for different types of soils and stabilization methods. You will work broadly in the field but with the main focus on binders for deep stabilization of soil as this is where the greatest savings opportunities in both climate and cost are found. In the project, you will study how the new binders react with different types of soils (clays) and then assess the amount of reaction products formed and the durability of the reaction products.

These assessments will be used to determine the amount and type of binder that should be used in different types of stabilization. The binders intended to replace Portland cement are often based on industrial residues. By using residual products instead of virgin materials, the increasingly stringent circularity requirements of the construction industry can be met. In addition to the material studies, you will make assessments of environmental and occupational health and safety aspects in the execution and reuse of the stabilized masses.

The position also includes writing scientific papers and participating in international conferences. The position may also include seeking external funding and teaching.

Description of the work duties (ex.):

• mainly to carry out the research project described under the heading of tasks but also to support the research team in general in the field of research.
• teaching at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate level (max 10%).
• the possibility of training in teaching in higher education (if teaching is part of the duties).
• supervision of graduate students.
• assisting in applying for external research funding.
• collaboration with industry and society.
• administration linked to the above tasks is included.

Qualifications

Appointment to a position as a researcher requires that the applicant has a PhD.

Required qualifications (ex.):

• a doctoral degree in chemistry or another subject relevant for the position
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written
• basic knowledge of Swedish, spoken and written, as teaching in courses given in Swedish is part of the position
• experience in material characterization
• experience in publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• independently conducted application process for research funds
• documented experience of supervising PhD students
• documented experience in supervising degree projects at bachelor's and master's level.

Additional requirements (ex.):

• experience in measurement methods for material characterization such as Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• experience in sustainability and energy with application in ceramics/bio ceramics and nanoparticles
• experience with both organic and inorganic hybrid materials
• previous teaching experience

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. 

Further information

The position is full-time and limited to the period 2025-02-24 until 2027-02-23.

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 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!