Doctoral (PhD) position in Nanotechnology and Functional materials, with focus on utilization of Biopolymers for Extracting Critical Metals including Rare Earth Elements - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admission to Doctoral (Postgraduate) Studies in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialization in Nanotechnology and Functional materials

at the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

Join us!

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. Read more about us here

About the division
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
This project focuses on the utilization of sustainable biopolymers (e.g., cellulose, lignin, chitosan) for the extraction of critical metals including rare earth elements from various sources, such as minerals, through a hydrometallurgy approach. The project include chemical modification and functionalization of the biopolymers, as well as complexation of biopolymers with functional porous materials (e.g., metal-organic frameworks, porous organic polymers), aiming to achieve high extraction efficiencies for the critical metals.

Duties
The main duties for a doctoral student are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in the research project and third-cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time postgraduate education for four years.

Read more about being a Doctoral student here.

You conduct research within a series of planned innovative work externally sponsored by a number of industries and research funding organizations, e.g., The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, SSF. The doctoral studies are conducted in close collaboration with other scientists from the Department of Earth Sciences and mining company partners, within the recently established Smart Exploration Research Centre, for sustainable and responsible exploration of critical raw materials.

The duties include to:

• Conduct chemical modification and functionalization of biopolymers such as cellulose, lignin, and chitosan.
• Synthesize porous materials, including metal-organic frameworks and porous organic polymers.
• Develop hybrid nanomaterials by complexing porous materials with biopolymers.
• Perform structural characterization of synthesized materials.
• Utilize biopolymers and their composites for extracting critical metals, including rare earth elements, from mineral wastes.

Requirements
Master’s (second-cycle) degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, mineralogy or a similar field

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

We require good oral and written skills in English.

Additional requirements
Knowledge and skills in porous materials, chemical synthesis including organic synthesis and inorganic synthesis. Knowledge and skills in material characterization techniques such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), surface area and porosity analysis (ASAP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as the ability to independently manage and run scientific projects. You have good communication skills, where through this quality you cooperate well with others. We are looking for you who is determined, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in groups. You also have a good ability to write scientific and academic text.

Your application must include
1) A short cover letter in which you describe yourself, why you want to do a PhD and why you are suitable for this position.
2) CV (max 2 pages)
3) A certified copy of your master's degree and your course grades.
4) Copies (or drafts) of your master's thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to refer to.
5) Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have accepted to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 January 2025 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact: Prof. Maria Strömme, maria.stromme@angstrom.uu.se, Doc. Chao Xu, chao.xu@angstrom.uu.se, or Prof. Jaroslaw Majka, jaroslaw.majka@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 19 September 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2694.

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