Postdoctoral Fellow in Conjugated polymer synthesis

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry. Closing date: 25 June 2024.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Research activities of MMK focus primarily on materials, and include ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials, and soft matter, including conducting polymers. The projects often encompass synthesis and multifaceted characterization of materials as well as their application. Examples of applications are organ on chip, biosensors, and implantable devices. Research activities in the area of Analytical Chemistry focus on developing advanced analytical techniques for studies of organic compounds and biomolecules.

Project description
This project is connected to the group endeavour to develop biodegradable organic bioelectronic devices. You will play a central role in the project team, by synthesizing and characterizing organic polymers that combine performance and sustainable design. The new materials will have direct application within the bioelectronic devices developed in the group. Advanced characterization techniques will be used to understand their structure, properties, and performance.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School (https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-school/), an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry

Main responsibilities
Scientific research and education. You are also expected to instruct students, asssist with project management, and take responsibility of funding applications within the focus areas of the group.

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 degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills in the synthesis of conjugated polymers and evaluation of synthetic outcomes. The ideal applicant is equipped with a problem-solving “can-do” mindset combined with a strong track-record of original research at the crossroads of synthetic chemistry and bioelectronics. Strong skillset in the chemistry of conjugated polymers and their use in the development of bioelectronic devices is advantageous for the position.

In addition, demonstrated record of accomplishment in polymer chemistry and broad knowledge of related synthesis, processing and characterization methods are considered as merits for the applicant. Experience in green synthesi methods is an additional asset. The applicant should have a strong knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2024-09-01 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, Assist. Prof. Erica Zeglio erica.zeglio@mmk.su.se. For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. 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 (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• 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: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

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