Research Specialist in Polymer Chemistry

If you are enthusiastic about engaging in collaborative academic research and contributing to the advancement of research instruments and methods, this position offers an ideal opportunity to thrive. We provide an exceptional international research environment coupled with extensive welfare benefits, fostering a conducive atmosphere for your work-life balance. 

Job description
The research specialist will be employed at the division of Applied Chemistry , Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering . You will be associated with the research group of Ergang Wang (70%). Further, common duties for the good of the division will contribute to 30% of the working time.

The position is permanent. It is not a faculty position nor a tenure track position.

Major responsibilities
The role of the research specialist will be (1) to support the research activities in the area of polymer science and technology, (2) to ensure the preservation of knowledge across generations of PhD students, (3) to co-supervise PhD students, (4) to support collaborations with industry and academic partners, (5) to assist with outreach activities, and (6) to operate and maintain critical polymer synthesis and characterisation equipment and labs. Minor teaching opportunities will also be offered, but not as the course responsible.

The primary research directions align with those of the research group of Ergang Wang, including the synthesis of conjugated polymers and 2D materials, as well as applications in solar cells, organic light-emitting electrochemical cells, organic electrochemical transistors, and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. These activities account for 70% of your working time. You will have the opportunity to contribute to funding applications related to the research activities in question.

At the division (30% of working time), duties will include the management and safety of polymer synthesis and characterization labs as well as other facilities, and the maintenance of characterization equipment (e.g. flash column, gel permeation chromatography) and training of new users.

Contract terms
Permanent full-time employment.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a PhD (or is close to completing a PhD) in a relevant topic such as polymer science and technology, or chemistry/materials science with a focus on polymer science.

Mandatory experience and skills are (1) expertise in organic/polymer synthesis, including structural analysis, such as NMR, FTIR, MS, (2) expertise in the characterisation of polymers (e.g. GPC, AFM, TEM), (3) knowledge associated with safety protocols.

Research experience (besides the PhD studies) in academia and industry is a merit. Further merits are expertise in (1) density functional theory (DFT) simulations, (2) electrochemistry, (3) 2D materials, (4) polymer composites, (5) electroactive polymers, and (6) organic electronics.

You need to be able to communicate fluently in English. Further, it is a merit if you can communicate in Swedish.

As a person, you need to be personally mature and enjoy hands-on experimental work, which can sometimes be very advanced, while at other times lab maintenance and support tasks need to be done. An ability to remain calm despite having a lot of things that need to be done is desirable. You should enjoy working by yourself, but also function well in close collaboration with others. You need to be service minded and willing to help others with their research.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240019 . The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter
In your personal letter, we highly value insights regarding the position.
Please consider addressing the following key points:

• Alignment with the Position: Illustrate why you believe you are a strong fit for this role. Highlight your skills, experiences, and attributes that resonate with the requirements of the position. Explain what aspects of the role excite you and why it aligns with your career goals and interests.
• Service Orientation: Emphasize your service-minded approach. Provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your commitment to delivering excellent service and meeting the needs of others.
• Interest in Research: Express your genuine interest in research and elaborate on how you envision supporting not only your own research but also contributing to the success of others in a collaborative environment.
• Contribution to a Positive Working Environment: Share your insights on how you can contribute to fostering a positive and collaborative working environment. Highlight any experiences or qualities that demonstrate your ability to work well with others, contribute to a supportive atmosphere, and enhance overall team dynamics.

Phd thesis

Other documents (optional)
• Copies of completed education, grades etc. Two references that we can contact should be provided at a possible interview.

Please use the button at the bottom of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 28 March, 2024

For questions, please contact:
Professor Ergang Wang, [email protected]
Professor Christian Müller, [email protected]
Assistant professor Alexander Giovannitti, [email protected]

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

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