Researcher in Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, with focus on development of porous nanocomposites for energy harvesting - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Temporary full-time position for 1 year, starting as soon as possible or by agreement

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 with close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

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The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, functionalization of electrode surfaces for catalytic applications, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials, microsensors for in vivo usage and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers here 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
The project aims to develop new nanocomposites of cellulose and porous organic materials (POMs) with tailored structures and compositions that can convert the energy carried by water and moisture, such as latent heat and chemical potential energy, into electricity through the natural and ubiquitous processes of water evaporation and moisture absorption . This will result in the creation of “zero emission”, sustainable, efficient and recyclable water-evaporation-induced electricity generation (WEG) and moisture-absorption-enabled electricity generation (MEG) devices.

Work duties
Basic and applied research focused on POMs, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs).

The work duties include basic and applied research focused on POMs, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs). The work also involves the synthesis of POMs from sustainable monomers, fabrication of freestanding nanocomposite materials of POMs and nanocellulose through additive manufacturing, and characterization of the obtained materials.The work duties also include studying water and moisture adsorption of the nanocomposites, as well as evaluating the performances of the designed electricity generation devices.

You work independently in a lab environment 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 nanotechnology or a closely related field.

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

• developing MOFs and/or POPs for energy and environmental applications
• adsorption and separation
• relevant analytical techniques (gas adsorption, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, XPS, etc.)

We require very good oral and written skills in English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Additional qualifications
It will be an advantage with experience in one or more of the following fields:

We attach great importance to 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.

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) A copy of your PhD degree, master's diploma (or equivalent), and academic transcripts.

4) Publication list. Mark the most relevant publications for the position and comment your contribution to those publications.

5) 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.

About the employment:
The position 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: Asst. Prof. Chao Xu, chao.xu@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 14 June 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1875

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