Researcher in Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with focus on development of sustainable nanocomposites for efficient precious metal extraction and catalysis

Published: 2024-05-03

at the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

Temporary full-time position for 1 year, starting as soon as possible or by agreement

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and with close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

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The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, functionalization of electrode surfaces for catalytic applications, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials, microsensors for in vivo usage and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers here thus have extensive experience in the functionalization of biomaterials, biocompatibility, diagnostics, additive manufacturing, organic energy storage, nanosafety and the development and characterization of functional porous materials.

Project description
This project will develop sustainable "urban mining" technologies with the aim of transforming resource extraction and utilization. Through synthesizing nanocomposites from biopolymers and porous materials, coupled with advanced separation techniques, the main objective of the project is to extract precious metals efficiently and cost-effectively from secondary sources. These recovered precious metals will serve as heterogeneous catalysts, enabling diverse organic transformations and the conversion of water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide into valuable products.

Work duties
The responsibilities of this position involve a wide array of tasks related to materials synthesis, characterization, and application studies. This includes the modification of biopolymers (e.g., cellulose, lignin, chitosan), synthesis of porous materials (e.g., porous organic polymers, covalent organic frameworks), and complexation of biopolymers with porous materials into freestanding membranes, hydrogels or aerogels. The work duties also include evaluating the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the materials for various metal ions commonly found in electronic waste, aiming at developing efficient nanocomposites for E-waste recycling. Furthermore, the duties entail conducting experiments to evaluate the catalytic performances of nanocomposites enriched with metals in various reactions.

You are expected to work safely and independently in a lab environment, as well as effectively in a large multidisciplinary group of chemists and materials scientists.

In addition, communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences are also included as important aspects of the employment.

Qualification requirements

PhD degree in nanotechnology or a closely related field.

We require documented knowledge and several years of research experience of:

• developing biopolymer materials and porous materials.
• organic chemistry, organic synthesis and catalysis
• use of relevant analytical methods (gas adsorption, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, XPS, ICP-OES etc.)

We require very good oral and written skills in English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Additional qualifications
We attach great importance to your personal qualities, such as the ability to work focused, structured and with foresight within given time frames, both individually and in a group, and to be able to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment with colleagues both inside and outside the department.

When assessing applications, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s ability to publish scientific work in high-quality journals and deliver presentations at scientific meetings.

Your application must include

1) A short letter of description of yourself, why are you interested in joining this project, and why you are suitable for this position

2) CV (maximum 2 pages)

3) Publication list. Mark the most relevant publications for the position and comment your contribution to those publications.

4) Names and contact details of at least two reference persons who have accepted to be references for you. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent.

During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews

About the employment
The position is a temporary position for 1 year. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date as soon as possible or by agreement. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:
Asst. Prof. Chao Xu, [email protected]

Please submit your application no later than 20 May 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1359

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
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Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2024/1359

Last application date: 2024-05-20

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