Post-doctoral fellow in physical chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The present project area lies within colloid and interface science, a sub-discipline of physical chemistry. Focusing on the interaction of nanomaterials with lipid membranes, the project also includes aspects of biology and biophysics.

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.

Access to clean water, free from harmful pathogens and toxic contamination, is critical for human sustainability. This project aims to elucidating mechanisms by which photocatalytic nanoparticles influence bacterial membranes and viral capsids, and explore antibacterial and antiviral effects as a tool for water purification. The following questions will be addressed: (i) How can antimicrobial potency and selectivity be boosted by surface coatings of photocatalytic particles?; (ii) How does photocatalytic degradation of bacterial membranes and virus envelopes depend on lipid composition?; (iii) How does bacterial lipopolysaccharide degradation depend on their structure?

The proposed research covers a range of physicochemical methods and concepts.   Photocatalytic nanoparticles will be investigated regarding their effects on bacteria-mimicking phospholipid membranes, bacterial lipopolysaccharides and model virus particles. Scattering, microscopy and surface chemistry techniques will be employed to investigate structural and compositional effects on exposure to photocatalytic nanoparticles in the absence and presence of illumination.

The main duty of the successful candidate will be to execute experimental research in the subject area outline above. Additional tasks include:  

• Coordination of collaborations within the subject area with international partners
• Co-supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Responsibility for managing selected laboratory instrumentation
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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 date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Strong documented research experience of experimental studies within the area self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules.

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:

• Hands-on experience with research within colloid and interface science, and a background in surface chemistry, physical chemistry, or biophysics, is an advantage.
• Experienced in experimental methodologies for investigating self-assembly at surfaces and bulk solutions, for example SAXS, QCM-d, neutron reflectometry, neutron scattering and advanced microscopy.

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

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment 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 and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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 two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.