Doctoral student in physical chemistry - 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 purpose of the project is to elucidate mechanisms underlying destabilization of bacterial membranes by catalytic nanomaterials (“nanozymes”) and how this translates into antimicrobial effects. For this, nanozymes will be investigated regarding their effects on bacteria-mimicking model membranes, as well as on mimics of plasma and endosomal membranes of human cells, by advanced physicochemical methodologies. Through this, you will contribute to a mechanistic understanding of how nanozymes can be designed to: (i) combat intracellular infections (e.g., tuberculosis), and (ii) potently destabilize bacterial membranes without causing adverse effects, e.g., related to oxidative destabilization of human cell membranes or release of inflammatory lipopolysaccharides from bacteria.

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:

• At least 120 credits of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits must be second-cycle thesis work in the chosen specialisation or closely related specialisations. The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed in each individual case.

Additional requirements

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

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems
• Excellent oral and written English proficiency
• The ability to travel for performing experiments at collaborators and large-scale facilities.

Other qualifications

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

• Hands-on experience with research within colloid and interface science, and a background in surface chemistry, physical chemistry, or biophysics.
• Experience with surface chemistry methodologies for investigating self-assembly systems (SAXS) and biological systems at interfaces (QCM-d, ATR-IR, neutron reflectometry, ellipsometry).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and collaborate with people from complementary disciplines.

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.