Post-doctoral fellow in Physical Chemistry

Subject description

This project introduces silicon substrates with a switchable magnetic contrast layer (MCL) for polarised neutron reflectometry experiments (PNR) at solid/liquid interface to study soft matter surface layers. The structural and compositional information in a typical reflectometry experiment are obtained by collecting experimental data with different isotopic contrasts on the same sample. This approach is normally referred to as contrast matching, which can be achieved by using solvents with different isotopic contrast, e. g. different H2O/D2O ratio, and/or by selective deuteration of the molecules. However, some soft matter systems might be perturbed by this approach, or it might be difficult to implement, particularly in the case of biological samples. Here solid substrates with a MCL are an appealing alternative, as the magnetic contrast with the substrate can be used to partially recover the information on the sample structure. The project is part of a larger collaborative project, “Maximizing information content in neutron reflectivity data by optimised magnetic reference layers” between Linköping, Uppsala and Lund universities, Science and Technology Facilities Council, ISIS Neutron and Muon Sourcs, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in UK and European Spallation Source - ESS, financed by the Swedish Research Council.

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.

The work duties include:

• Research within the subject area.
• Conduct and organize neutron reflectometry experiments at large scale facilities.
• Collaboration with the academic partners as well as with ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and European Spallation Source – ESS.
• Administration, like organising meetings and ensure good communication between partnes 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.
• Genuine knowledge and experience of neutron or x-ray reflectometry and/or scattering techniques.
• Experience of working with biophysical system like biomembrane.
• Knowledge in surface and colloid chemistry.
• At least basic knowledge on modelling of neutron reflectometry and/or scattering data.
• Experience of working in a interdisciplenary environment.

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:

• Genuine knowledge and experience of neutron or x-ray reflectometry and/or scattering techniques.
• Knowledge in surface and colloid chemistry.
• Experience of working with biophysical system like biomembrane.

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 three pages).
• contact information of at least two references.