Researcher position for development of fractionation processes of wood and production of new advanced lignin-based materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Temporary full-time position for one year with starting date according to agreement 

The Division for Nanotechnology and Functional Materials (NFM) is part of the Department of Materials Science 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: This project is about the development of new advanced materials from different types of biomass (mainly from soft and hard wood). The project is based on a fractionation method, a so-called lignin first organosolv process, for isolating lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. Through this method, as much as possible of the lignin's natural properties is preserved, which provides opportunities to develop new advanced materials and an increased chance to replace fossil-based components in existing materials. The lignin polymer may need to be modified in further steps to adapt to the application. We see a very broad area of ​​use where lignin-based materials can contribute to the environmental transition and add value in several industries such as the mining industry, the battery industry, the construction industry, the pharmaceutical industry and more. To take advantage of the entire process, the hemicellulose and cellulose fractions must also be taken into account.

Work duties: The work tasks include design and development of synthetic methods for fractionation, isolation and chemical modification of lignin from domestic biomass. Organic synthesis of model compounds must also be carried out for the characterization of lignin polymers, as well as the characterization of complex polymers and product mixtures using several analytical techniques (mainly HPLC, GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy).

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 organic chemistry or a closely related field.

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

• the use of relevant chemical synthetic techniques in the field
• studies of biomass
• use of relevant analytical techniques (mainly HPLC, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy)

We require very good written and spoken English skills.

Additional  qualifications:

Documented knowledge and experience of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, biomass chemistry, and biomass structures (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) are strongly meritorious. In addition, experience in obtaining  external research grants is meritorious.

Great emphasis will be placed on 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 the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant's ability to publish scientific work in high-quality journals and to give presentations at scientific meetings.

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position for 12 months. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date: As agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

Instructions for the application:

Your application must include:

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

2) CV (maximum 2 pages)

3) Publication list. Mark the most relevant publications for the position.

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.

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Maria Strømme, maria.stromme@angstrom.uu.se or Dr. Johan Gising, johan.gising@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 8th January 2024, UFV-PA 2023/4474

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