Research assistant on inorganic materials for odor control and sensor for ordorants

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We address important societal issues such as antibiotic resistance, cancer, brain diseases, environmental problems and climate change. In this way, we contribute to achieving the UN's global goals for sustainable development in the areas of good health and well-being, sustainable energy for all, sustainable cities and communities, and combating climate change. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science. The department is responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department collaborates with various societal actors such as schools, business and authorities. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has around 200 employees. We are located at Natrium, Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Research project will be performed within Inorganic chemistry group. Research in the group spans different areas. For example synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles by electrochemical and solution based methods, studies of electrocatalytical reactions, experimental determination and modelling of the thermodynamical properties of electrolytes, investigations of particle size dependent surface and interfacial properties of nanoparticles by experimental and theoretical methods. Nanoparticles surface charge and potential at the particle solution interface play vital role in determining their reactivity, stability, aggregation and interaction with organic matter in complex electrolytes. In recent years focus has been on developing the experimental as well as theoretical methods to investigate in detail the nanoparticle solution interface. Inorganic chemistry group has well established international collaborations along with collaborations with other universities in Sweden and with industry.

Duties 

The project is financed by stiftelsen Barbro Bryngelssons minnesfond.  Odor is a big problem in many areas especially hygiene products (diapers), food storage and animal breading farms to name a few. Odor can come from naturally existing bacteria or synthetic products. Odor is considered as dangerous, unhygienic and unfresh especially in hygiene products. Due to the huge impact of odor on human health there is need of materials by which odor can be controlled as well as be detected. This is a challenging task because most of odorants are volatile molecules. At present materials used for odor control are mainly based on metals such as silver or gold which can act as scavengers. These materials are not environmentally friendly therefore there is burning need for environmentally materials for odor control. Inorganic materials such as are really promising in this respect.

In a recent PhD project we have explored the use of inorganic materials such as functionalized activated carbons, zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs). In this project, we will go a step further and investigate the possibility of whether the adsorbing materials can also function as sensors. There is a great possibility of success because the working principle of many sensors is the interaction between incoming molecules and active groups on the surface of the material. Because in these materials, especially in MOFs we have active groups that have strong interaction with incoming odor molecules and such interaction should provide signal that can be detected.

Qualifications 

Required education, knowledge and experience, personal qualities

Since the work in this project is related with the use of inorganic materials for sensor applications. We are looking for a person who has completed bachelor or has started master degree in chemistry or equivalent and have read inorganic chemistry. Experience in critical reading and analysis of chemical literature and experimental laboratory work is necessary to perform the project in an optimal way. Experience in written or oral communication in English is necessary. 

Merit education, knowledge and experience, personal qualities

Experience in the synthesis of inorganic materials such as MOFs, characterization and functionalization of materials suitable for sensor applications will be highly prioritized during the evaluation process of best candidate. Moreover, knowledge of surface and interfacial chemistry of materials is also of merit. Since the project will be performed in collaboration with company the collaborative skills and experience of person working in academia as well as in industrial environment will be highly valuable for this project.

Employment 

It's  a fixed term position, fulltime during 360 days 

Contact information for the post 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact  Zareen Abbas,  Associate Professor (Docent),  Telefonnummer/Phone number: +46 (0)31 7869015, E-postadress/E-mail: zareen.abbas@gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Your application shall include: 

Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position

CV including scientific publications
Copy of exam certificate
Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)

Applications must be received by: 2024-07-09

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.