Description of the workplace

The position is in the Membrane Group of the Division of Chemical Engineering at Lund University. The Membrane Group is the most established Membrane Group in Sweden and has MemLab - Industrial membrane process research and development centre – an excellent infrastructure to develop and optimize membrane processes from lab to pilot scale. Further details about the Membrane Group can be found under: Membrane Group | Membrane Group

Subject description

This postdoctoral position is related to two in international projects: 

1. 3D-Photocat - 3D-Printed, Self-Regeneratable Photocatalytic Filters as Hydroxyl Radical Manufacturer: A Lab to Pilot Scale Approach (3D-Printed, Self-Regeneratable Photocatalytic Filters as Hydroxyl Radical Manufacturer -A Lab to Pilot Scale Approach - Lund University).

A next-generation photocatalytic membrane system is being developed to remove persistent organic pollutants from wastewater. Using 3D printing, a photocatalytic membrane will e developed with improved self-regeneration and reduce membrane fouling. The performance of the membrane will be tested in a membrane reactor with ozone on pilot-scale at wastewater treatment plants, enabling decentralized, solar-powered wastewater treatment.

2. DESOLINATON - DEmonstration of concentrated SOLar power coupled wIth advaNced desAlinaTion system in the gulf region.

The project integrates forward osmosis (FO) desalination with concentrated solar power (CSP) to utilize waste heat efficiently. A 100 kW air Brayton cycle and a 1MW CO₂-blend power cycle in Saudi Arabia will be tested for over 2300 hours to optimize membrane-based desalination. This collaboration fosters sustainable, market-ready desalination solutions worldwide.

The position is related to projects supported by Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (3D-Photocat) and EU-Horizon (DESOLINATION).

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research related to the two projects. 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. The position is related to an externally funded projects and has some pre-defined targets that have to be achieved and project deliverables.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Research related to the 3D-Photocat and DESOLINATION projects.
• Reporting the project results to project partners and funding agency
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration and communication with industries and the 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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received 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.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• PhD in Chemical Engineering focusing on membrane processes and membrane production.
• Experience to work independently but also ability to collaborate with project partners and other membrane scientists.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in an academic 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:

• Established knowledge related to the membrane processes: forward osmosis, membrane distillation, electrodialysis and membrane bioreactors. 
• Experience with 3D-Printing.
• Proven experience on membrane production and membrane spacer design
• Knowledge and experience in planning and conducting lab and pilot scale experiments, i.e. with membrane systems. 
• Proven experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).

Consideration will also be given to 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.

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.  For international candidates, you can read more about living and workign in Sweden on this website https://sweden.se/

Further information

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

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV 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!