Doctoral student within modelling of active soft matter - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Physical Chemistry is a dynamic research environment within the broad field of soft condensed matter, ranging from fundamental aspects to industrial applications. The division hosts approximately 10 research groups in the international forefront of both theoretical and experimental aspects of soft matter, surface and colloid chemistry, and biophysics, and is the host of the COMMONS Centre of Excellence devoted to interdisciplinary aspects of self-assembly in molecular systems.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

Subject and project description

The research project focusses on theoretical and numerical modelling of swimming microorganisms, e.g. bacteria and algae, an important class of so-called "active matter". These materials are of fundamental interest due to their non-equilibrium character, which enables a range of novel phenomena not seen in traditional materials, primarily exotic forms of emergent collective phenomena. The research project will employ computational techniques, primarily lattice Boltzmann simulations, to study emergent behaviours in active suspensions, focussing on emergent collective phenomena induced by surfaces and physical interfaces, building on recent theoretical results from the group and with strong connections to ongoing experimental activities in the field. For further information about the group’s research, see www.stenhammargroup.com.

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences. The duties also includes participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

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 Physical chemistry if the applicant has:

• A second-cycle education in physics, engineering physics, physical/theoretical chemistry, chemical engineering or another subject relevant to the project.

Additional requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Good knowledge in mathematics, statistical thermodynamics, and scientific programming (using, for example, Python, Fortran, C/C++)
• Excellent oral and written English proficiency
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Other qualifications

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• Experience in molecular simulation techniques (e.g. molecular dynamics) or hydrodynamic modelling (e.g. lattice Boltzmann simulations).
• Experience with writing scientific manuscripts and/or publishing papers in scientific journals

We offer

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

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as agreed. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application!