Postdoctoral Position in Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace
Division of Combustion Physics is well-established and internationally recognized for excellence in the measurement and development of combustion applications related to ground and aerospace combustion engines and energy production. The Department of Physics conducts a wide array of research, together with other departments within the Faculty of Engineering. Our research facility was built in 2001 and currently supports the work of around 60 researchers. http://www.forbrf.lth.se/english/

Subject description
At the Division of Combustion Physics a postdoc is now recruited for the project supported by the VR (Vetenskapsrådet). 

The primary goal of this project is to investigate the detailed chemistry of combustion of different sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) suggested for replacing fossil fuels focusing on the formation and abatement of pollutants that could potentially be formed. The motivation for this is the development of a long-term solution for sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation. The key research question of the present project is the impact of super adiabatic phenomena on formation of different pollutants. Overall planning is arranged around several commercially approved SAF, and surrogate mixtures reproducing their physical characteristics. The work program includes experimental research, development of detailed kinetic models and reduced models suitable for CFD modelling.

Experiments are performed preferably on flat flame burners, which facilitate comparison with the modeling. The study of any system to be investigated starts with detailed analysis of available experiments and existing kinetic models from the literature.  The problem is then formulated with selection of appropriate diagnostic techniques available at the Division of Combustion Physics, Lund University. Dedicated experiments are then performed and compared with existing or new models. When required, additional experiments are set up to address possible uncertainties or doubts.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Work duties will include:

• Research within the subject area
• 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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Extensive experience with laboratory experiments in combustion.
• Extensive experience in development and validation of detailed kinetic models
• Ability to independently design and carry out research projects related to flame studies.
• The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experiences from relevant areas of physics and chemistry are of special value.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
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.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience in chemical kinetic modeling of combustion
• Experience in laboratory studies of laminar flames
• Programming and data processing skills
• Journal publications in the field.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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. 

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 400 scientists and educators one of the largest departments within Lund University. There are seven research divisions and a number of research centra within the department. The research activities at the department cover a broad spectrum of modern physics. www.fysik.lu.se/english.

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