Postdoctor in fire engineering specialising in safe energy carriers

Description of the workplace

The position is affiliated with the Department of Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences, in collaboration with the Division of Fire Safety Engineering at the Department of Building and Environmental Technology. The Department of Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences is a centre of expertise for research, development, and education in the aeronautical sciences. Through collaboration, we seek to understand, explain, and improve aviation towards an accessible, sustainable, and safe society in the digital age.

The department’s main research focus areas are Sustainable Aviation, Unmanned Aviation, and Aviation Safety. In addition to its aviation‑related research, the department hosts several research infrastructures, including a laboratory for fire safety research that is currently under development. This laboratory can be used for fire safety research related not only to aviation, but also to other vehicles and applications in the built environment. The advertised position includes work with the infrastructure for experimental safety‑oriented fire research, carried out in close collaboration between the host department and the Division of Fire Safety Engineering.

The postdoctoral researcher will work within a team focused on fire safety research in battery systems, involving activities across four departments at LTH. The research is part of COMPEL – COMPetence for the ELectrification of the transport system, a strategic initiative funded by the Swedish government with the aim of strengthening research and education environments in battery technology and electrification.

The duty station is Ljungbyhed; however, when required, a significant portion of the work can be based at the Division of Fire Safety Engineering in Lund.

Subject description

The research field is fire safety engineering, with a more specific focus on safe energy carriers, particularly battery and hydrogen safety. The research will primarily involve conducting full‑scale fire and explosion experiments. Depending on the background and expertise of the successful candidate, modelling activities may also be included.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research within the subject area. 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. A substantial part of the duties will consist of establishing a new, large-scale fire laboratory in Ljungbyhed, including responsibility for defining requirements for the construction as well as for instrumentation.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Research within the subject area
• Establishing and developing a fire safety engineering laboratory
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• 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.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Extensive experience in planning and conducting experiments within fire science, explosions, or related areas;
• Strong knowledge of fire science and/or combustion;
• High level of initiative and the ability to drive work forward independently;
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and address scientific problems;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Good collaboration and teamwork skills.

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:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience in establishing laboratory facilities, particularly within fire or explosion research;
• Experience in writing research funding applications;
• Experience of assisting in the supervision of degree projects or doctoral students;
• Knowledge of relevant measurement and instrumentation equipment.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 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”). The duty station is Ljungbyhed, although part of the work may be performed at the Division of Fire Safety Engineering in Lund when required.

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.)”  

We welcome your application!

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