Postdoctoral position in Fire Safety focusing on fire dynamics and material behaviour (PA2023/2862)

The division of fire safety engineering conducts research and teaching that relates to fire and its consequences. Teaching takes place mainly at the Fire Protection Engineering program and the International Master in Fire Safety Technology. The division consists of approximately 15 employees. The division of Fire Safety Engineering acts in an international context and has contact with research organizations nationally and internationally. 

The work environment at the division is characterized by an open and friendly attitude among all members of staff with the intention that all shall be given the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

Fire safety research relates in general to physical and chemical processes associated with the origin, growth, spread and extinguishing of fires, interactions between fire and buildings/facilities, systems for preventing or detecting fire or limiting its consequences, and evacuation and human behavior in fire. The fire safety research is conducted mainly through experimental research, modeling and model development. The general objective is to find cost-effective and innovative methods of keeping damage to people, the environment and property at an acceptable level. For this position focus will be on fire development and fire dynamics. As possible subjects, the following may be seen as specialisations: material behavior in the event of a fire and considering an environmental and sustainability perspective, modeling of fire dynamic phenomena in combination with the implication of building materials and consequences of fires from a property protection perspective including fire investigation.

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research in 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. 

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area, including experimental and theoretical studies
• 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

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that you have 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 available 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.

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Knowledge and experience in physical experimental work as well as modelling 
• Being able to work independently and to collaborate with other research groups and industry.

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:

• Knowledge and experience that constitute additional qualifications in fire related experiments.
• Knowledge in fire modelling by CFD models
• Experience in leading research projects
• Experience in education within fire modelling tools 

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.

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 . 

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two 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”).

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system and shall be written in English. The application should include a CV including a list of relevant publications 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.)

Welcome to apply!