Doctoral student in Analytical chemistry with a focus on landscape ecotoxicology

Analytical chemistry, which is one of the basic chemistry subjects, is about the characterisation of samples, i.e., to determine how samples are composed, what chemical compounds they contain and how much of each compound they contain. Research in analytical chemistry aims to develop new analytical techniques and methods. Important application areas are in food, environmental science, biotechnology, bioenergy, medical and pharmaceutical science.

The PhD candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Lund University who over the next 6 years will collaborate to investigate the sublethal effects of commonly used pesticides in different species of insects. The project covers fields such as analytical chemistry, genetics, metabolomics, ecology, and physiology, and includes laboratory as well as field work. Chemical pesticides play an integral role in controlling agricultural pests, however, their sublethal consequences for non-target species are often overlooked. Most of these pesticides are neurotoxins, yet how they affect the brain and its function in among insect species is poorly understood.

The aim of the PhD project is to develop new analytical methods to detect, identify, and quantify pesticides in insects, insect brains, and other relevant samples collected from pesticide high-risk landscapes. Also, lab-raised insects exposed to pesticides will be studied. Synergies across disciplines will allow identification of pesticide high-risk agricultural landscapes, as well as to achieve a sub-brain resolution analysis. The PhD student will develop new analysis methods based on supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The PhD candidate will also gain expertise on spatial modelling in agricultural landscapes, landscape ecotoxicology, and insect neuroanatomy.

Work duties

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 (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she by the time of appointment:

• 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 Analytical chemistry if he or she has:

• A minimum of 120 credits are to derive from chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project in the chosen specialisation or a closely related specialisation.
• The specific admission requirement can also be fulfilled through another equivalent programme, which is assessed in each specific case.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Driving license for passenger car.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria (desired qualifications):

• Approved course in chromatography at advanced level
• Approved course in mass spectrometry at advanced level
• Experience of practical work with different chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry
• Experience in troubleshooting and repairing analytical instruments
• Experience in statistical analysis
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific questions
• Good ability to collaborate, endurance, stability, and personal maturity, and ability to organize and structure the work
• Numerical and linguistic analytical ability
• Experience of working with biological materials such as e.g. insects
• Has a curiosity to learn new things and increase own knowledge, especially in interdisciplinary environments

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English. The application must contain a letter (1/2 – 1 page) in which the applicant briefly describes him/herself and motivates why the applicant wants to start the doctoral program in analytical chemistry at Lund University, and in what way the specific research project matches his/her own interests and scientific background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, grade transcripts, and other documents you wish to be considered (contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).