PhD Candidate in Physical Chemistry

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. It has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We unite in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations.

Eligibility

As an ideal candidate for the PhD position, you hold a master's degree in physics, biophysics, physical chemistry, or chemical engineering, or equivalent qualifications from another relevant educational program.

The basic eligibility for doctoral education is met by those who have:

• completed a degree at an advanced level or
• fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at an advanced level, with content relevant to the doctoral education or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, domestically or abroad.

The specific eligibility requirements for Physical Chemistry are met by those who have: At least 120 higher education credits must consist of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 higher education credits are a thesis at the advanced level within the chosen direction or closely related fields. The specific eligibility can also be obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed in each individual case.

Other Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Good knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis work and tasks.
• Ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and tackle scientific problems.

Assessment Criteria

We are looking for a person who is passionate about interdisciplinary work between physics, chemistry, and food science, and who is interested in proteins as building blocks in soft materials in biology and food.

Selection for doctoral education is based on the assessed ability to benefit from the doctoral program. The assessment of ability is primarily based on study results at the undergraduate and advanced levels. The following will be considered:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis work and tasks.
• Assessed ability for independent work and the ability to formulate and tackle scientific problems.
• Ability for written and oral communication.
• Other experiences relevant to doctoral education, e.g., work experience.

Other Merits:

Documented research experience in protein solutions or soft matter science is advantageous. Practical and theoretical knowledge of one or more of the following experimental methods is advantageous:

• light, neutron, or X-ray scattering;
• data analysis of large datasets;
• scientific scripting (e.g., python, matlab);
• optical spectroscopy;
• fluorescence or optical microscopy;
• protein preparation and characterization (e.g., SEC, SDS-PAGE)

Motivation and ability to actively contribute to an interdisciplinary and international research environment at the intersection of soft matter science and food science is advantageous.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant is assessed to have the ability needed to succeed in doctoral education based on their experience and competence.

Conditions

Only those who are admitted to doctoral education may be employed as a PhD candidate. The doctoral education lasts four years for full-time studies. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, the employment is extended correspondingly, but for a maximum of 5 years (i.e., max 20%). Regulations regarding employment as a PhD candidate can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Application Instructions

The application must be written in English. The application should include a personal letter with a research statement summarizing previous research experience and achievements, as well as a motivation for why you are interested in the position and how the research project aligns with your interests and educational background. The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to submit (copies of transcripts, reference information, recommendation letters, etc.).

The Faculty of Science conducts research and education in biology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted at eight departments located within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,500 students, 330 doctoral students, and 700 employees.

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