Postdoctoral position in Nanotechnology & Functional Materials, focusing on Development of porous organic materials for energy & environmental applications

Temporary full-time position for 2 years, starting as soon as possible or by 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, 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.

Project description:

This project focuses on the development of porous organic materials (POMs) and their composites for energy and environmental applications. We aim to establish green synthesis approaches for a range of porous organic materials, including covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous organic polymers (POPs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Additionally, we will process these materials and their composites into freestanding forms such as membranes, monoliths, and aerogels. These advanced structures will enable their applications in separation and purification, energy harvesting, and storage.

Work duties:

The work duties involve both basic and applied research on POMs, focusing on the green synthesis of COFs, POPs, and MOFs using sustainable and low-cost monomers. This includes synthesizing POM-based membranes, monoliths, and aerogels, as well as fabricating freestanding nanocomposites by integrating POMs with substrates such as nanocellulose through nanoengineering techniques. Additionally, the work involves structural characterization of the obtained materials and developing their applications in nanofiltration for water purification, membrane-based gas separation, moisture absorption, and water evaporation-based electricity generation.

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 COFs for energy and environmental applications
• Documented knowledge and research experience in adsorption and separation
• Experience of relevant analytical techniques (gas adsorption, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, XPS, 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 2 years. 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 30 June 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1190