Postdoctoral position in Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with focus on development of nanoporous materials for sustainable energy harvesting - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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

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

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 engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching is conducted within seven divisions with different research focus, as well as a division that provides support and service. The department is an international place to work, and has around 180 active co-workers.

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

The project aims to develop new nanocomposites of cellulose and porous organic materials (POMs) with tailored structures and compositions for electricity generation. The nanocomposites will be used to 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.

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 nanoengineering techniques, and structural 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 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 to research, some participation in supervision of doctoral students, master's 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. Some participation in undergraduate teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funds.

Requirements:

This position requires a Doctoral degree in chemistry, nanotechnology, or an equivalent degree in a related field.

We also require documented knowledge and research experience in:

• the development of functional nanoporous materials,
• nanofluidic membranes for ion-selective transport applications, such as ion adsorption/separation and salinity energy harvesting,
• evaluating ion transport behaviour in energy storage and conversion systems.
• experience with relevant analytical techniques, including gas adsorption, electrochemistry, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

We require very good oral and written skills in English.

To qualify for a postdoctoral position, you must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree considered equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

Read more about the Postdoctoral position, rules and regulations at the Swedish Agency for overnment Employers here (only in Swedish).

Additional qualifications:

Large emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as good cooperation and communication skills. You should be goal oriented, structured and able to work efficiently both individually and in a group.

Special emphasis will be placed on your documented experience of publishing scientific works in high-quality journals and giving presentations at scientific meetings.

Instructions for application

• A letter describing yourself, your goals and why you are a suitable candidate for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copy of three publications of special relevans
• Copy of the PhD, master's degree (or equivalent) and course grades and other merits
• Short description (max 300 words) of your doctoral thesis
• If avaliable, an electronic version of your doctoral thesis (or weblink).
• Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you. Please also describe the relationship with that person.

The application can preferably be written in English.

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

About the employment:

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting as soon as possible, or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:

Assoc. Prof. Chao Xu, chao.xu@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than October 10, 2025 UFV-PA 2025/2759

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