Post-doctoral position in polymer technology and polymer chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The post-doctoral position is linked to a research project focused on organic synthesis and studies of ion conducting polymers and electrolyte membranes. These materials are especially important in tomorrow’s energy system with fuel cells and water electrolyzer cells based on hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier. The main goal is to develop new synthetic strategies and knowledge how these materials should be molecularly designed in order to efficiently conduct ions in electrochemical systems for energy storage and conversion. The experimental work consists of organic synthesis, molecular characterization and polymerization of new monomers, post-polymerization modification, polymer characterization, preparation of functional membranes, as well as analysis of electrochemical, mechanical and thermal properties with a focus on thermochemical stability and ionic conductivity. The project is carried out in collaboration with Swedish universities in a large research programme and the selected candidate will work in the research group of Prof. Patric Jannasch at the Department of Chemistry, who has extensive experience with the synthesis and studies of ionic polymers and membranes for different energy applications.

Subject description Polymer Technology at Lund University is an interdisciplinary subject including the chemistry and physics of polymers, as well as the processing and applications of polymer materials.

Work duties The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. Work duties comprise:

• Research within the project.
• Collaboration with academic partners.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Limited administration related to the work duties listed above.
• Limited responsibility for running some of the instruments of the group.

Qualification requirements Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Ph. D. degree in chemistry with a specialization towards polymer chemistry or similar.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Skills and previous experience with the syntesis of monomers and polymers (especially ionic polymers).
• Practical experiences with flow battery and/or fuel cell membrane preparation and characterization.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the research group, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Include two signed recommendation letters. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more:http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/