1-2 researchers -Synthesis and Characterization of New Materials from Biomass - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Full-time temporary position for 1 year starting as soon as possible or as agreed upon

The division for Nanotechnology and Functional Materials (NFM) is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. At NFM we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, magnetic nanoparticles for infection diagnostics, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials, micro sensors for in vivo usage and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers at NFM 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
At NFM we develop, amongst other products, new advanced materials starting from biomass sources. This project is focused on the tailoring of the lignin properties for sorption materials. The target is to improve selectivity and capacity of the material for purification of different industrial waste streams. The project is conducted in close collaboration with several industrial partners and the new lignin sorption material will in the end be evaluated in an existing industrial manufacturing process.

Work duties
The overall tasks concern design and development of synthetic methods for fractionation of domestic biomass, modification of lignin and organic synthesis of model compounds. This includes characterization of complex polymer and product mixtures using several analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy etc.). The tasks require the ability to work safely and independent in a lab environment, to communicate scientific results in a professional way both in writing and orally, to author scientific articles and to work efficiently in a large multidisciplinary group of chemists and material researchers.

Qualification requirements: PhD degree in organic chemistry or a closely related field.

We also require:

• Documented research experience of relevant synthetic techniques
• Strong publication list of articles in the research area
• Experience of relevant analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy, etc.)
• Very good written and spoken English

Additional qualifications:

• Documented experience of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis
• Documented experience of polymer chemistry
• Knowledge of biomass chemistry
• Knowledge of biomass structures (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin)
• Knowledge of surface chemistry

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as good cooperation and communication skills. The applicant should be goal oriented, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group

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, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

About the employment
The employment is a  temporary position, 12 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible  or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Johan Gising, johan.gising@angstrom.uu.se or Docent Jonas Lindh, jonas.lindh@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 9th of January, 2023, UFV-PA 2022/4331

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