Post-doctoral fellow in Physical Chemistry

Subject description

Physical Chemistry involves research relating to molecular issues. The experimental and theoretical methods used often originate from physics. The emphasis in Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry is on research, both experimental and theoretical, within surface and colloidal chemistry and with a special focus on self-aggregating systems. The systems studied include surfactants, polymers and biomolecules.

The current project focusses on Soft Matter, in particular on the study of the flow properties of compressible colloids, microgels, combining scattering techniques with bulk rheology.

Work duties

The candidate will study the role of the softness of an individual colloid on the structuring and macroscopic properties of a suspension under flow. Suspensions of microgels (soft deformable colloids) will be studied by combining small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering to probe both the particle-to-particle arrangement and the shape of the individual colloid. We will optimise and realise two shear cells, one to probe small-angle scattering (SAS) in the flow-plane, the optimal plane to observe deformations of a material, and the second to probe high applied shear (>10⁴ s^-1). The cells might also enable simultaneous polarised microscopy, rheology and SAS experiments. Microgel suspensions are a textbook example of complex fluids showing fluid-to-crystal transitions, shear thinning, shear banding and the possibility to form glasses or jammed systems. These phenomena are common to most soft materials, both synthetic and bio-relevant, such as protein suspensions, saliva, and blood. SAS experiments in the flow plane and at unprecedently high shear rates will allow us to identify the key parameters in the softness of a colloidal particle that affect the flow properties of the suspension and the role of particle softness on the formation of bands that flow differently. The knowledge developed in this project will pave the way to the design of soft colloids for bio-medical applications, emulsion-stabilized formulations of cosmetics, detergents and shampoos.

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.

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.
• Proved knowledge and experience with bulk rheology.

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:

• Knowledge and experience in the use of small-angle neutron scattering.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of small-angle x-ray scattering.
• Experience in experiments that combine rheology and small-angle scattering.
• Experience in the development of sample environment.
• Experience in coding (e.g. Python) and with the integration of sample environments.
• Scientific production of papers in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Experience in maintaining and supervising the use of instruments, such as rheometer and multi-angle dynamic light scattering.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, 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 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 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 the most significant publications (maximum three) relevant for the position, specifying the role of the candidate,
• 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.