Postdoctoral Researcher in Electrospinning of Cellulose Nanocomposite Fibers at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry. Stockholm University is internationally leading in the study of porous, hybrid and nanostructured materials and the use and development of advanced structural characterisation techniques.
The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry(MMK) is part of several large consortia, including the Wallenberg Wood Science Center, and is currently active in the field of nanocellulose research.
MMK hosts the Berzelii center on porous materials, EXSELENT, the 3DEM-NATURcenter for the development of 3D electron microscopy methods. MMK is equipped with all required infrastructure for the synthesis and characterisation of nanostructured and hybrid materials including TEM (including electron diffraction and tomography), SEM, FIB/SEM, X-ray diffraction, DLS, electrophoretic mobility, rheology, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and PPMS. Special equipment for in-situ studies includes combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy with atomic force microscopy, and combination of quartz crystal microbalance with optical microscopy.
We are inviting a self-motivated and creative individual to apply for one postdoctoral opening that involves developing new electrospinning techniques for cellulose nanocrystal based fibers. Electrospinning provide several potential advantages in cellulose nanocomposite processing including i) reinforcing effect for electrospun fibers which are inherently weak; ii) orientation of nanocellulose under the influence of electric field; iii) self assembling of nanocellulose under the influence of electric field; iv) introduction of functional properties for the fibers and the fiber mats depending on the surface characteristics of the used nanocellulose. The project aims to develop electrospun nanocomposite fibers with high concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals (> 50 wt%) in a biopolymer phase (cellulose acetate, polylactic acid or chitosan) to produce functional fibers capable of specific interactions with metal ions, virus, dyes etc in aqueous medium. The fibers will be spun in the form of random mats and used as affinity membranes taking advantage of the surface functionality and surface morphology of the electrospun fibers.
Reference number SU FV-1047-15. Deadline for applications: May 20, 2015.
Qualification requirements
The applicant should have a PhD degree in Materials Chemistry or Polymers, Bionanocomposites (or related field) and significant experience in nanocelluose based materials and/or electrospinning.
Assessment criteria
For a postdoctoral position the candidate must have received a PhD degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline, unless there are special circumstances such as illness, parental leave, union duties or similar.
The selection is based primarily on scientific excellence in the field of electrospinning; previous experience with developing methods for processing and characterization of cellulose nanocomposites is a requirement. Applications will be judged particularly on the grounds of scientific rigorousness and how well the applicant can be integrated into the planned project. Well documented abilities to write scientific text in English is an important qualification.
Terms of employment
The position involves a full-time employment for 12 months, with the possibility of further extension up to 12 months. The position is financially support by WWSC and the selected candidate will have the possibility to work in close collaboration with WWSC researchers. Intended starting date is from August 2015 (the precise date is negotiable).
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Information
Further information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry may be found at www.mmk.su.se.
For inquiries, please contact Associate Professor Aji P Mathew, aji.mathew@mmk.su.se.
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),
telephone: +46 8 16 20 00 (operator), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO),
telephone: +46 70 316 43 41.
Application
The application must include
Letter of interest with a description of research interests and previous experience with nanocomposites, elctrospinning and/or other techniques, relevant for the present position
CV and publication list
Copies of diploma of scientific degrees and transcripts of academic records
Contact information of at least two referees.
Please send your application, marked with the reference number
SU FV-1047-15, no later than 20 May 2015 by e-mail as a single PDF file to:registrator@su.se.
Include the reference number SU FV-1047-15 also in the message line of your e-mail.