The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science with about 140 employees, including about 50 PhD students and about 30 postdoctoral fellows/researchers. The research is focused on the preparation and characterisation of various types of materials, including porous materials, ceramics, and bio-based materials, with applications in energy, environment and health. MMK performs leading research in materials chemistry where an important area is the development of sustainable processes to produce nanocellulose-based materials for functional applications. MMK hosts the Berzelii Center EXSELENT for porous materials, and is part of the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC).

Project description

We are seeking one or two postdoctoral fellows for studies of nanocellulose-based composites and foams that will be associated with the framework project “Lightweight and fire retardant organic/inorganic foams and composites” supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) and the project “Thermally insulating and strong nanocomposite foams by directed assembly” with support from the Swedish Energy Agency. The works aims to develop novel super insulating and fire-retardant nanocomposite foams based on renewable and widely available raw materials like cellulose, carbon and clay.

Main responsibilities

Colloidal processing and directed assembly will be used to produce mechanically strong, flame-retardant and light-weight nanocellulose-based foams that exhibit excellent thermal insulation. The aim of the work is to develop a better understanding on the colloidal assembly process and the structure-property relations of superinsulating nanocomposite foams. Significant efforts will be directed to elucidate how the thermal insulation, flame-retardancy and mechanical properties depends on the composition, size and shape of the organic and inorganic components, and the structural features of the foams themselves, i.e. the cellular structure and the microstructure of the walls.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The PhD degree should have been completed no more than three years before the deadline for applications. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances, which may involve sick leave, parental leave, clinical attachment, elected positions in trade unions, or similar. Highly qualified applicants with older degrees can inquire about alternative forms of employment.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant multidisciplinary team of students and post‐docs and should therefore be a good team player with experience to supervise students. Applicants must have strong communication skills with excellent knowledge in English, both written and spoken. Strong skills in innovative materials processing and characterization using e.g. electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, SAXS, and confocal microscopy, and various devices to determine and analyse the thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, and mechanical strength is desirable.

Terms of employment

The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as soon as possible or as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the project leader, Professor Lennart Bergström, telephone: +46 8 16 23 68, lennart.bergstrom@mmk.su.se.

For general information about MMK, please contact Professor Gunnar Svensson (Head of Department), gunnar.svensson@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

Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system by clicking the “Apply” button. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal – statement of research interests and experience (max 3 pages)
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: Instructions – Applicants.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University – our education and research produce results.

Apply here

Closing date: 15 December 2015