Researcher position in the field of surface funtionalization of oxide coatings - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department's involvement in civil engineering, bachelor's and master's programs. Our research and teaching is conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

The Division of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science, and engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we do both basic and application-oriented research that is related to energy and environmental aspects as well as life science via our different research areas. Most commonly, we investigate physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and compounds whether it will be used as coatings for smart windows, gas sensors, photocatalytic coatings, spintronics and biomagnetic applications or to create new magnetic materials for environmentally friendly energy technologies. The research area on catalytic and optical materials for  green nanotechnologies  is lead by professor Lars Österlund.

Project description
The project is part of an on-going European project that aims to develop antipathogenic, flexible and transparent plastic films that can be used on computer and mobile electronic screens to reduce healthcare-related infections in healthcare. A new method for producing chemically modified transparent oxide films will be developed. The project aims to pave the way for safer healthcare facilities. Approximately 4 million people suffer from healthcare-associated infections per year in Europe, and are the single most deadly and costly side effect in healthcare, costing up to 6% of hospital budgets.

Work duties
Continuation of ongoing European project to synthesize and characterize surface functionalized oxide films with superacid properties. Measure their physical and surface chemical properties (chemical state of surface groups), wetting properties, and structural properties. The work includes experimental work using combined sputter and surface functionalization methods to make primarily sulfated titania coatings. Material characterization of films with X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Photoelectron spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, FTIR, Raman, data analysis and writing of reports. The position is part of a European project including partners from Germany and travels can be required.

In addition to research, some participation in the supervision of master's students and project students, as well as 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
Doctoral degree in materials science, applied physics or engineering physics.

We also require documented knowledge, competence and experience in the production of oxide films with physical deposition technology, especially magnetron sputtering, as well as of material characterization techniques including electron microscopy, XRD, XPS, and wettability testing.

We require very good written and oral skills in English. 

Additional qualifications
It is a merit to have experience in advanced magnetron sputtering, e.g. HiPIMS, and/or chemical and structural analysis with XPS.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to lead and run projects and at the same time be able to interact with other researchers, are very important. You must be purposeful, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group.

How to apply
Your application must contain:
1) A short letter describing yourself and why you are suitable for this position
2) CV (max 2 pages)
3) Copy of doctoral degree, master's degree (or equivalent) and course grades
4) Copies of 3 publications of particular relevance
5) Names and contact details (email and telephone) of two reference persons who have accepted to be a reference for you.

During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position for 1 year. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date: As soon as possible or by agreement. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:  Professor Lars Österlund, lars.osterlund@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 2 April 2024, UFV-PA 2024/664.

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