Postdoctoral position in Lighting, Visual Ergonomics and the Visual Environment

Description of the workplace

The position is based at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology at the Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University. The Ergonomics Group aims to study and improve the interaction between people and the products, technical systems and environments they use. We have established collaborations with organisations in both the public and private sectors and conduct research with a clear connection to societal and working-life issues.

Within the Ergonomics Group, interdisciplinary research is conducted in areas including visual ergonomics, work environment, and the interaction between people and the physical and technical environment. The research includes both experimental studies and field studies in real-world environments, using both subjective and objective measurement methods.

Subject description

Visual ergonomics concerns the interaction between human visual capabilities and the visual environment. The position focuses on lighting for older people in working life, with particular interest in visual comfort and discomfort in modern office environments and how workplaces can be lit to meet the needs of older workers.

With increasing age, changes occur in the eye and visual system that may affect the need for and sensitivity to different types of lighting. At the same time, more people are expected to remain in the workforce at older ages. There is therefore a need for increased knowledge of how future workplaces and lighting solutions can be designed to provide good visual comfort and reduce discomfort among older workers.

The research addresses the relationship between the technical characteristics of lighting, the visual environment, and human perceptual and physiological responses. The project combines experimental laboratory studies with field studies in real office environments. The results will contribute to improved recommendations and guidelines for lighting design for older people in working life.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position are to conduct research. 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 independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further academic development.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in carrying out the research project and will work closely with the project leader and other researchers in the research team.

Detailed description of the work duties

• Planning, conducting and analysing experimental studies of visual discomfort under different lighting conditions.
• Planning and participating in the laboratory and field studies, including the development and pilot testing of experimental designs, measurement methods and study protocols.
• Conducting visual tests and computer-based tasks under different lighting conditions.
• Collecting and analysing subjective assessments of visual function, symptoms, well-being and quality of life in relation to lighting characteristics.
• Conducting and analysing light measurements, eye-tracking measurements and other relevant objective measurements.
• Presenting and communicating research findings to researchers, lighting designers and other relevant stakeholders through workshops and other activities.
• Writing scientific articles and reports, presenting research findings at national and international conferences, and contributing to the development of new recommendations.
• Administrative tasks related to the above work duties.

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 both English and Swedish.
• Documented experience in planning and conducting empirical studies involving human participants within the research field of light and lighting.
• Documented experience of quantitative data collection and analysis within the research field of light and lighting.

Good ability to independently plan and carry out research tasks. Documented experience of scientific writing and publication within the research field of light and lighting. Experience of working in multidisciplinary research environments.

The requirement for very good knowledge of Swedish is motivated by the fact that the position involves recruitment and communication with participants as well as data collection in Swedish workplaces. The field study will be conducted with older workers in Swedish office environments and will include validated assessment scales in Swedish.

Assessment criteria

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 in research related to lighting, light, visual function or related research fields.
• Experience of experimental laboratory studies and/or field studies in working environments, as well as statistical analysis.
• Experience of eye tracking or other objective measurement methods.
• Experience of research involving older people or within working life and work environment research.
• Knowledge of relevant lighting solutions and the technical characteristics of lighting, or education in related fields.
• Ability to work independently while also actively contributing to an interdisciplinary research team.

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.

The position offers the opportunity to develop as an independent researcher by combining experimental research, field studies and scientific publication, as well as through collaboration with researchers and societal stakeholders.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (2027-01-01—2028-12-31). 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.)”  

We welcome your application!