Researcher for synthesis & characterization of deuterated sugar surfactants - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The proposed recruitment it to support a collaborative project between Food Technology, engineering and nutrition and the DEMAX lab at the ESS on developing deuteration methods to synthesize sugar surfactants. The synthesis work will be around 75% of the candidate’s time. We expect the candidate to have close ties and interaction with the research groups at Food Technology engineering and nutrition. The Formulation group, where these surfactants will be investigated for the properties and applications, mainly studies the formulation of biological drugs where surfactants are an important group of excipients. The work may include contacts with industry such as EnzaBiotech that the LU group closely works with.

Work duties
The work includes developing synthesis methods for deuterated sugar surfactants. It includes characterization of these surfactants using physical chemical methods in the labs at ESS and LU, as well as participating in SANS. In addition, it is required to participate actively in applied projects at the Department of Food Technology, engineering and nutrition, where such surfactants are to be used. Work duties include also:

• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Opportunity for training in higher education teaching and learning.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements
Applicants must have:

• A PhD in organic chemistry or related subject.
• Post Doc experience.
• Experience in developing synthesis pathways for organic substances.
• Hands-on experience and a good understanding of gas chromatography and liquid chromatography.
• Ability to independently use NMR and mass spectrometry for analysis of synthesized precursors or products.
• Experience in synthesis of deuterium-labeled compounds and characterization of deuterium incorporation into products.
• Experience with general laboratory housekeeping activities, including waste disposal, chemical/consumable ordering, chemical barcoding and inventory, as well as maintaining and calibrating equipment.
• Ability to work independently.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• An interest and ability to learn neutron and X-ray scattering methods.
• An interest to participate in conferences, workshops, meetings, and outreach activities.
• Experience of teaching in terms of laboratory work and have a certain pedagogical training.
• Ability to collaborate in research groups with people from several different scientific disciplines and have an interest in broadening their competence with knowledge of the use of SANS for characterization of surfactants and their use in drug formulations.
• Demonstrated a good ability to publish their own work (in both presentation and publications).
• Ability to independently characterize and analyze synthesis using GC, HPLC, and NMR.  

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 department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
Fixed-term employment, 2 years. 100 %.
There will be travel involved to neutron scattering facilities to participate in experiments. The project requires the candidate to work between LU and DEMAX chemistry labs.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.