PhD Scholarship in Physics at Lund University

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 350 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.

The Division of Combustion Physics carries out research with a distinct focus on development of laser spectroscopic techniques for solving future societal challenges in the engineering area within various application areas such as combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, remote sensing, ecology, biophotonics, etc. The Division has an extensive network within the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), with other universities, nationally as well as internationally, and with the industry. The Division is since 2001 located in modern premises housed in the Enoch Thulin Laboratory at the Dep. of Physics and there are currently about 65 employees.

Then it might be you we are looking for!

Background

Soot from combustion processes is detrimental for human health as well as it contributes to global warming. The optical properties of soot, i.e. efficiency to absorb and scatter light, determines their role in the global warming, and current research indicates their global impact to be second after carbon dioxide. These uncertainties are large partly because soot from different processes show varying characteristics (from brown carbon to black carbon). To increase our knowledge in this area, we develop and apply advanced methods to study the nano-structure, morphology and optical properties of soot, and how these properties develop during the soot formation process. For this reason, especially non-intrusive laser-based methods are developed at Combustion Physics.

Job assignment

The overall aim of the PhD-project is to improve the understanding of how optical properties of soot correlate with nano-structure and morphology, and how these characteristics change during the formation process from precursors, via inception of the first particles to mature soot. The work includes development and application of laser-based methods for characterization of soot particles in terms of sizes, concentrations and optical properties (absorption and scattering efficiencies). Various laser-based methods such as scattering (Rayleigh/Raman), laser-induced incandescence and laser-induced fluorescence will be developed and applied in soot aerosols and for in-situ measurements in flames. Additional measurements will be performed on sampled soot at the same conditions using e.g. electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. Flame conditions will be varied, for example influence of fuel additives will be investigated. The experimental work includes planning and setting up of experiments and performing measurement campaigns. Modelling work is done to interpret the measurement data from the various techniques. The research work will lead to writing of scientific papers published in international journals. Part of the work will be performed in collaboration with EAT (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology) at Lund University.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (approximately 10%).

Admission requirements

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies.

We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes.

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 .

Application procedure

Apply online! Applications must contain a cover letter, which can be written in Swedish or English, in which you describe yourself and your particular research interests. Application must also include a CV, a copy of your Master's thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that you wish to refer to.

You are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process. The answers can be written in Swedish or English.