Postdoctoral Fellow in biobased membranes with antifouling surfaces

Ref. No. SU FV-1615-22

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry . Closing date: 15 June 2022.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) has about 160 employees that include about 50 PhD students and 30 postdoctoral fellows/researchers. In Materials Chemistry, we focus on developing and understanding advanced routes for synthesis, processing, production, as well as the use of structural- and functional materials in applications towards a healthy, sustainable and environmental friendly society. The research subject includes synthesis of adsorbents, self-assembly, colloidal processing, surface modification, field-assisted sintering and additive manufacturing of biopolymer-based materials,  lignin and nanocellulose based functional materials, and hybrid and composite materials.  More information can be found at: www.mmk.su.se .

Project description
The Mistra TerraClean program (Phase II) will use naturally occurring and commercially important raw materials indigenous to Sweden, such as (nano)cellulose and mesoporous inorganic materials invented and developed in Sweden. We aim to develop and scale up biobased membranes and coatings with clear advantage in capacity to remove pollutants from water and reusability (long term stability and antifouling) compared to existing non-biobased technologies in the market. Another objective of the project is to develop smart filter designs based on the developed membranes. The program is highly transdisciplinary and selected candidate will be able to collaborate with commercial enterprises, institutes and other stakeholders in the different tasks of the project.

Main responsibilities
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with a broad vision and passion to solve environmental issues through creative and original ideas and has interest to work closely with industry partners as well as environmental institutes. The postdoc will work within the Mistra TerraClean program and focus on the processing of biobased membranes for water purification. The specific task is to lead and contribute to the development multifunctional membranes using techniques such as coating or phase inversion and optimise it for maximum removal capacity towards PFAS, metal ions and improve the antifouling performance and recyclability. Advanced characterisation using microscopy, spectroscopy and X-ray scattering will be developed and validated. The selected candidate will work in the group of Professor Aji Mathew and collaborate actively with Professor Niklas Hedin´s group at MMK.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area. The applicant should have a PhD degree in Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering (or a related field).

The successful candidate will join a vibrant multidisciplinary team of students and post‐docs and should therefore be a good team player with experience to supervise students. Applicants must have strong communication skills with excellent knowledge in English, both written and spoken.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The selection is based primarily on scientific excellence and experience in the field of biobased functional materials, membrane processing  and scale up or environmental remediation process.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2022-08-15 or as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact the project leader, Professor Aji P Mathew, telephone: +46 8 16 12 56, [email protected] .

For general information about MMK, please contact Professor Gunnar Svensson (Head of Department), [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
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