Researcher in nanotechnology and functional material with focus on synthesis and nanoengineering of porous organic materials

Temporary full-time position for nine months, 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 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, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers at NFM thus have extensive experience in the functionalization of biomaterials, biocompatibility, additive manufacturing, organic energy storage, nanosafety and the development and characterization of functional porous materials.

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Project description:

This project focuses on sustainable nanocomposites made of cellulose and porous organic materials (POMs) that can recover precious metals from electronic waste (E-waste) using sustainable and industrially available organic monomers as raw materials for the synthesis of POMs. Cellulose will be used as substrates for processing POMs into freestanding nanocomposites. The overall goal of this project is to promote E-waste recycling, decrease E-waste disposal, and conserve precious metals.

Work duties:

Basic and applied research focused on POMs, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs). Synthesis of POMs using sustainable monomers, fabrication of freestanding nanocomposites based on POMs and nanocellulose through 3D printing techniques, and structural characterization of the obtained materials. The work duties also include evaluating the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the membranes for various metal ions commonly found in electronic waste, aiming at developing efficient membranes for E-waste recycling.

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 nanotechnology or a closely related field.

We also require:

Documented knowledge and research experience of developing MOFs and/or POPs for environmental applications Documented knowledge and research experience in adsorption and separation Documented skills in 3D printing Experience of relevant analytical techniques (gas adsorption, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, XPS, ICP-OES, etc.) Very good written and spoken English

Additional qualifications:

Large 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 efficiently 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

About the employment:

The position is a temporary position for nine months. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date as soon as possible or by agreement. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr. Chao Xu, chao.xu@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 19th of February 2025, UFV-PA 2025/263