Postdoctoral Fellow in Materials Chemistry

Ref. No. SU FV-4917-22

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry . Closing date: 6 February 2023.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Research activities of MMK focus primarily on materials, and include ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials and soft matter. The projects often encompass synthesis and multifaceted characterization of materials with a potential for various applications. Research activities in the area of Analytical Chemistry focus on developing advanced analytical techniques for studies of organic compounds and biomolecules.

Project description
The position will be associated with the project “Circular lignin materials from well-defined functional building blocks” (CIRCULIG), funded by The European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. The project constitutes frontier research on lignin-based functional materials that are designed for circularity, e.g., reuse, repurposing, and recycling. The Postdoctoral Fellow will have a central role in a five-membered project team that develops methodology for green synthesis and characterization of lignin-based nano/microstructured materials that combine functionality and circularity. The application areas include catalysis, electrochemistry, adhesives and structural materials. The principles of green chemistry are central concepts in the synthesis, while a range of advanced characterization techniques will be used to gain insight into structure-properties-performance relationship of the new materials.

Main responsibilities
Scientific research and education. The Postdoctoral Fellow is also expected to instruct students, asssist with project management, and take responsibility of funding applications within the focus areas of the group.

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.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills in polymer chemistry and lignin chemistry. The ideal applicant is equipped with a problem-solving “can-do” mindset combined with a strong track-record of original research at the crossroads of materials chemistry and engineering. Strong skillset in polymer chemistry of lignocellulosic biomass is advantageous for the position. In addition, demonstrated record of accomplishment in materials science and engineering and broad knowledge of related processing and characterization methods are considered as merits for the applicant. Experience from heterogeneous catalysis and electrochemistry is an additional asset.

The applicant should have a strong knowledge of English, both orally and in writing. As the current postdoctoral researchers in the group are all male, female and non-binary candidates are encouraged to apply.

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 2023-03-01 or as per agreement.

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

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from the PI Mika Sipponen, mika.sipponen@mmk.su.se . For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se , and seko@seko.su.se (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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