Postdoc in molecular design at biomaterials interphase by melt processing

Join our research team focused on improvement of biomaterials’ thermoplasticitity and properties for conventional thermoplastics replacement. As a Post doc you carry out research in an interdisciplinary research team, with experts in materials science, polymer engineering, physics and chemistry.

Project description
You will perform research in several projects and be part of the activities on Engineering Materials at Chalmers. You will also propose new research projects in this area to Swedish and European research funding agents. Chalmers has pioneered this research for more than one decade. Currently, the Chalmers’ team comprise approximately 10 people. The research is performed in an interdisciplinary team across Chalmers and at our partners at KTH The Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, Polytechnic Institute of Torino in Italy and University of Mons in Belgium, and Tetra Pak. Engineering Materials is centered on the relationship between technological materials’ processing, micro and nanostructure and their properties.

Recent awareness on the impact of the fossil-based plastics and their littering is leading to questioning about the use of traditional plastics in relation to their expected life spun. This offers an opportunity for increased use of biobased materials.

In this framework, progresses in enhancing the thermoplasticity of biomaterials, e.g. algae of lignocelluloses, have shown successful batch to continuous processes after suitable modification and water-assisted melt processing. In this research we intend to explore how to improve the processability in conventional melt processing equipment to easy the competitiveness of biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to traditional oil-based thermoplastics. Different scenarios for the end-of-life of the developed biomaterials include the assessment of their recyclability via melt processes and biodegradation in composting. In addition, reactive extrusion strategies will be considered to overcome the inherent drawback of the biomaterials, e.g. water sensitivity or decay in the mechanical performance after mechanical recycling. Relevant part of the project will be the overall material characterization on the structural physical and chemical features to enable a deeper understanding of structure-processing-properties relationships.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as a Post doc is to pursue your own research tasks related to the projects, secure new projects, and to lead doctoral and master students in related activities. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. Your research activities will contribute to enhanced knowledge in the scientific field, in particular by presenting your results in scientific journals and at international conferences.

You are expected to contribute to the development of Chalmers’ polymer engineering and processing laboratory.
In addition to the research project, you will contribute to teaching at the Department, corresponding to up to 20 percent of working hours.

Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications:
A doctoral degree in chemical engineering, materials or polymers engineering or related fields is required for this position. Our research is performed by an interdisciplinary team of scientists. In order to succeed in this role, you must be able to interact and collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds. Furthermore, it is also expected that you have the ability to take own initiatives and work independently as well as being a team-player. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. The position requires verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement, but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Meritorious qualifications:
Candidates with a background in polymer chemistry and chemical modification, or polymer physics, polymer engineering with a desire to develop both experimental skills are particularly encouraged to apply. Good organic polymer or biomasses chemistries skills are advantageous.

The project will comprise biomaterials synthesis and modification, melt processing, rheology and advanced structural characterization. Therefore, it will be considered a strong advantage:
– To have experience of working with biopolymer melt processing.
-To have experience in using and analysing data from laboratory equipment such as, rheometers, tensile testers and other characterisation techniques such as AFM, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD and fluorescence spectroscopy.
-To be willing to spend time in other research groups in Sweden and/or in a foreign country.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years, in accordance with the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers .

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20240115 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: March 27, 2024

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Giada Lo Re,
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +46768504229

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12646&rmlang=UK