Postdoctoral position in Nanotechnology and Functional materials, with focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for water harvesting and hydrogen generation

Uppsala University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Full-time temporary position for 2 years, starting as soon as possible or as agreed upon

Join us!

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and with close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

Read more about us here

About the division
The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, functionalization of electrode surfaces for catalytic applications, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials, microsensors for in vivo usage and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers here thus have extensive experience in the functionalization of biomaterials, biocompatibility, diagnostics, additive manufacturing, organic energy storage, nanosafety and the development and characterization of functional porous materials.

Find more information about our division here.

Project Description
Our research group specializes in the development of porous materials for applications such as gas separation (greenhouse gases), water treatment, catalysis, and drug delivery. We have strong competence in the synthesis and optimization of a wide range of porous materials, including porous oxides, zeolites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), etc.

This project is primarily focused on the environmental applications of porous materials such as MOFs. Specific application areas include water harvesting by adsorption, and catalytic hydrogen generation using MOFs. The project mainly involves the synthesis and characterization of existing and novel MOFs, as well as adopting post-synthesis processing methods such as 3D printing and engineering of simple devices for water capture and hydrogen generation.

Work Duties
Typical work tasks may include the synthesis and characterization (e.g., X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, gas adsorption) of porous materials; testing of materials for sorption-related applications that are within our current research areas, such as greenhouse gas separation, water harvesting, photocatalysis, etc. Part of the work will be carried out in collaboration with national and international collaborators.

In addition to research, some participation in supervision of doctoral students, master's and project students as well as communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences are also included as important aspects of the employment. Some participation in undergraduate teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funds.

Qualification Requirements
To qualify for an employment on a postdoctoral position you must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

For this position, a doctorate in chemistry, materials science, or an equivalent degree in a related field is required.

We require documented knowledge and experience of porous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks or other types of porous polymers, either based on advanced experimental activities or in computer modeling.

We require very good written and oral skills in English as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Read more about the role of postdoctoral researcher, as well as rules and guidelines on the Swedish Employers' Authority's website here. (Only in Swedish).

Additional qualifications

Documented knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:

• structural chemistry (ie X-ray diffraction, electrochemistry)
• electron microscopy (SEM/TEM)
• NMR spectroscopy
• photo or heterogeneous catalysis with porous materials
• gas separation, water extraction, computer modeling of porous materials, membranes, biomedical applications of MOF/COF, etc.

We attach great importance to your personal qualities and you must be self-motivated and proactive and have the ability to independently plan and run projects. You must also be pedagogical, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in groups, as well as be able to collaborate and communicate with people in different subjects easily.

Special emphasis will be placed on the ability to publish scientific work in high-quality journals and to give presentations at scientific meetings.

Application Procedure

The application should include:

• A letter describing yourself, your goals and why you are a suitable candidate for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copy of three publications of special relevance
• Copy of the PhD, master's degree (or equivalent) and course grades and other merits
• Short description (max 300 words) of your doctoral thesis
• If available, an electronic version of your doctoral thesis (or weblink).
• Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you. Please also describe the relationship with that person.

The application can preferably be written in English. During the application period, we will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 1st of December 2024, or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Maria Strømme, maria.stromme@angstrom.uu.se, Docent Ocean Cheung, ocean.cheung@angstrom.uu.se or Docent Chao Xu chao.xu@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application by 27 September 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2182

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

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The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.