Job Reference: CQM-17-01-BPD-MAC/4.6d/040

Within the ECOFIBRAS project (Eco-sustainable valorisation of invasive vegetal species in Macaronesia to obtain fibres with industrial use, MAC/4.6d/040), supported by the Transnational Cooperation Programme Madeira-Azores-Canarias (MAC 2014-2020) towards Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Centro de Química da Madeira (CQM), University of Madeira, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal, is offering a post-doc fellowship for scientific research and development (M/F), in the following conditions:

Scientific area: Chemistry/Materials science

Admission requirements: The candidates must have a Ph. D. in Chemistry, Materials Science or in fields related to the project and:

• Experience in the study and in the chemical, structural, morphological and functional characterization of natural fibers;
• Experience in studies of thermal stability and mechanical properties of organic polymers and natural fibers;
• Proven expertise in the use of SEM, AFM, TGA and FTIR techniques.

Preference is given to anyone who, in addition to the previous requirements, has a doctorate in the area and/or research work (published papers with impact factor and/or patents) in the field of the project and/or in the preparation of nanocomposites based on natural fibers and inorganic nanoparticles for immobilization and delivery of drugs.

Work Plan: This work is part of an international project (Madeira, Azores, and Canaries) that aims to study and valorise invasive species in the Macaronesia Region, namely Agave americana, Arundo donax, Pennisetum setaceum and Ricinus communis. The fellow will be responsible for the study of the chemical, structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of fibers and for the preparation of nanocomposites based on these natural fibers.

Laws and applicable regulation: Law no. 40/2004, of August 18 (Scientific Research Grant Holder Statute); Grant Regulation of the University of Madeira.

Workplace: The work shall be carried out at the Centro de Química da Madeira (National Research Centre) of the University of Madeira, under the guidance of Prof. João Rodrigues.

Duration of the grant: The fellowship will last for 6 months, possibly renewable for a maximum of 31 months, starting on June 1, 2017.

The amount of the monthly stipend: The monthly stipend of the grant is €1495, according to the stipend table awarded directly by the Universidade da Madeira.

Composition of the selection jury: Prof. João Rodrigues (President of the Jury), Prof. Helena Tomás (effective member), Prof. Pedro Pires (effective member), and Doctor Carla Alves (alternate member).

Pronouncement and notification of the results: The final results shall be pronounced through the ordered list of candidates (based on the final grade obtained) posted on the page of the Unidade de Projetos e Cooperação da Universidade da Madeira, http://upc.uma.pt/, and on Centro de Química da Madeira webpage in http://cqm.uma.pt. All candidates shall be notified by email.

Application deadline and requirements: Those concerned may apply from 20th February to 17th March 2017.

Applications must be supported by: 

a) An application letter;

b) One-two page motivation letter detailing the research experience relevant to project;

c) Full Curriculum Vitae;

d) Qualification certificate translated to English and certificated;

e) Contact of two referees (name, address, and email);

f) Other supporting documents considered relevant for the evaluation of the application.

The applications must be submitted exclusively by e-mail to cqm@uma.pt  indicating the reference “CQM-17-01-BPD-MAC/4.6d/040” in the email subject, until March 17, at 5:00 p.m. (Madeira time, the same time as in Lisbon, Portugal).

Complaints must be submitted by email to gabinetedareitoria@uma.pt within the legal deadlines.

The CQM is a National Research Unit supported and evaluated by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. It is a recognized “refugee welcoming organization" by the European Commission, follows the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Commission Recommendation, Brussels, 11.3.2005, 2005/251/EC), is committed to the principle of equity in employment, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.