KTH in Stockholm is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. No less than one-third of Sweden’s technical research and engineering education capacity at university level is provided by KTH. Education and research spans from natural sciences to all branches of engineering and includes architecture, industrial management and urban planning. There are a total of just over 15,000 first and second level students and more than 1,600 doctoral students. KTH has almost 4,300 employees.

The School of Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Fibre and Polymer technology. It encompasses both fundamental and applied chemical sciences and seeks sustainable development through scientific excellence. Many research activities are interdisciplinary across the borders from chemistry to materials science, environmental science, biochemistry, biology and medicine. The School offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Science and Engineering, Higher Education Diploma in Chemical Engineering and three international Master programs Chemical Engineering for Energy and the Environment, Macromolecular Materials and Molecular Science and Engineering. We cooperate also with the Master programs Energy and Environment , Materials design and Biotechnology.

Project description

The objective of the PhD project is to investigate how nanosized particles are formed/released during degradation of polymer nanocomposite and the characteristics of the particles (e.g. size, shape and surface chemistry). In order to manage this, a procedure for characterization of released/formed particles during degradation of nanocomposites in various deteriorating environments will be developed. An exposure chamber will be designed where the nanocomposite materials will be exposed to various deteriorating environments and the formed/released particles can be collected in a controlled manner prior to characterization. Production of nanocomposite materials, using the pre-chosen combinations of nanofiller and polymer will be performed. The release of nanoparticles from the material and the surface chemistry will be analyzed by advanced spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques. In addition, the degradation of the composites will be monitored by infra-red spectroscopy and thermo analytical techniques.

The work will be performed in collaboration with SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden and will require occasional trips to the SP laboratories in Borås.

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

The potential candidate must have a Master’s degree with a focus on chemical science and engineering and polymer technology. Knowledge/experience in the field of nanotechnology and polymer analysis is an advantage. The candidate should be highly motivated for doing scientific research and should have well developed analytical and problem solving skills. The position includes 20% infrastructural responsibility and/or teaching assistance. The applicant should have excellent skills in English language, both written and spoken, in addition to good writing and presentation skills.

Employment

Form of employment: Time limited
Starting date: According to agreement

Application procedure

Application should be sent electronically to registrator-kf@che.kth

The application marked with reference number must include the following:

1. CV including education and relevant academic/work experience
2. Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate
3. Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) with a short description of interest in the scientific studies and the specified research field

Deadline for application is 2014-01-13
Reference number: K-2013-0703

Contact

Emma Strömberg, PhD
Phone: +46 8 790 7524
E-mail: emmast@kth.se

Trade Union representative

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: +46 8 790 7058
E-mail: lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se