Doctoral student in polymer technology towards organic/polymer chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry at Lund University provides world-class education and research within a wide area of chemistry. The Department of Chemistry is situated at Kemicentrum, Scandinavia's largest center for chemistry. It is a unique research environment close to several major research centers, research parks and industries. The polymer group at the Department carries out research on polymers and materials for energy and sustainability.

Work duties
The transition from today’s fossil-based plastics to tomorrow’s bio-based materials from renewable resources is one of the grand future research challenges future. The PhD project is focused on the synthesis of new monomers and polymers from renewable chemical building blocks, and characterization of the structure and material properties of bio-based polymers.

The main goal is to explore new synthetic strategies and new knowledge concerning how different bio-based polyesters and polyacrylates should be molecularly tailored in order to be qualified for various industrial applications where plastics from fossil resources are used today. The experimental work comprises chemical synthesis and molecular characterization of new monomers and polymers, preparation and characterization of new polymer materials, including their thermal and mechanical properties, as well as their morphology and processability. You will also be assigned to manage instruments at the department and to teaching in basic courses at the Department.

 The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A candidate meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in the subject Polymer Technology if he or she has a valid university degree at advanced level (MSc) within a relevant study program. 

Additional requirements:

• MSc degree in chemistry with a specialization in organic or polymer chemistry on the Master level.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Previous experience with the synthesis and characterization of monomers andor polymers, especially through polycondensation and/or controlled radical polymerisation.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicants, through their experience and skills, are deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Conditions
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1998:80).

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, at least 2 letters of recommendation, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, etc.).