Doctoral student in Building materials with focus on biobased insulation materials

Description of the workplace

The Department of Building and Environmental Technology has a stimulating and international environment consisting of PhD students, postdocs, teachers and researcher from many parts of the world. Here, research and teaching take place in an open and progressive climate with challenges and collaborations both within academia and with industry partners, both nationally and internationally. The work environment is characterized by commitment, collaboration, creativity and personal responsibility. The work environment is also characterized by an open and friendly attitude among all members of staff with the intention that all shall be given the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

The department consists of nine divisions and this position is in the Division of Building Materials. The research and teaching at the division mainly concerns materials that are used in the construction sector with the aim of studying and understanding processes in materials, often related to moisture and durability aspects. The division has a large laboratory infrastructure and has a high focus on experimental work.

Subject and project description

The construction sector is responsible for a large amount of the total greenhouse gas emissions and one way of reducing these are a transition to an increased use of biobased materials. One such example is biobased insulation materials. These materials are hygroscopic, i.e. they can absorb moisture from the air. When a material absorb moisture, heat is released, and previous studies have shown that this is beneficial for a building’s energy performance. The hygroscopic properties can also be beneficial in case of temporary moisture loads. 

This PhD-student project is part of a larger project with the aim of studying the function and use of biobased insulation materials. The purpose is both to study existing biobased insulation materials, and how the hygroscopic properties can be tailored to enhance energy performance and increase the robustness to temporary moisture loads. The PhD-student project will focus on the parts in the project that concern tailoring the hygroscopic properties by chemical modification techniques with the aim to enhance energy performance and robustness but also includes parts with characterization of existing insulation materials and applications. 

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%).

The work duties include:

• Development of modification techniques to tailor hygroscopic properties of biobased materials. 
• Characterisation of moisture related material properties for the modified materials as well as existing biobased insulation materials.
• Evaluation of the function of the modified materials and existing biobased insulation materials.
• Contribute to spread of results from the project by scientific publications, presentations at conferences and meetings with the project’s reference group.

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 Building materials if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in subjects of relevance to the field including at least 60 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of at least 30 credits in the field, or 
• a second-cycle degree in a relevant field. 

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge in building material science or in another field of material science relevant for the position, for example chemistry of lignocellulose based materials.
• Experience of laboratory work.
• Ability to work in a structured and autonomous way.

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:

• Very good knowledge on wood or other cellulose based materials.
• Experience of characterisation of hygroscopic material properties.
• Experience of chemical modification of wood or other cellulose based fibres.
• Experience of other material characterisation relevant for the position.
• Experience of data evaluation.

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 consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 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!