Last Date: 2024-01-31.
The Department of Materials- and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) with about 160 employees is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University (SU). The extensive research activities of MMK encompass both the development and characterization of large groups of (functional) materials, such as soft matter and polymers, biomaterials, self-assembled and porous materials, for primarily applications in Materials Science and Sustainable/Green Chemistry. The experimental characterisation techniques involve X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, NMR and other spectroscopic techniques, along with modelling by computer simulations. Environmental aspects are central for most research activities.
Project description
Despite that borosilicate glasses (BS) are exploited in numerous applications from everyday products to nuclear waste encapsulation and biomedical implants, the understanding of their sub-nanometer structure remains limited. In particular, some “exotic” structural motifs, such as directly interlinked BO4 groups (B[4]-O-B[4] linkages) and non-bridging O (NBO) species at BO4 groups (B[4]-NBO bonds) are either considered absent or remains largely ignored in current BS glass-structure models. Yet, we have recently shown that B[4]-O-B[4] linkages are both inherent and abundant structrual motifs in BS glasses [1,3]. The present postdoctoral project is an extension of our recent research on structure and properties of BS glasses [1-3], where magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy will be utilized for unravelling the borosilicate glass structure across a sub-nanometer scale. Those results will then be analysed in conjunction with measured mechanical and elastic properties of the glasses to establish composition-structure-property relationships. One part of the project also involves the development of new NMR experimental techniques for an improved probing of 11B-17O connectivities in borate-based glasses.
Main responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the postdoc concern structural studies by both routine and advanced 1D/2D MAS NMR experiments, but to (a lesser) extent also glass synthesis and physical-property measurements of the glasses towards establishing composition-strucure-propery relationships. The postdoc will assume the main responsibility for planning, executing, and disseminating the research orally as well as in writing (scientific papers).
Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.
Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The applicant should have a Ph.D degree in Chemistry (preferred) or Physics (or equivalent), along with a well-documented research experience in the field of 1D/2D MAS NMR experimentation on inorganic materials, encompassing advanced NMR experimentation.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated and creative person with a passion for solving challenging scientific problems. The selection will primarily be based on scientific excellence and well-documented experience of previous research in advanced solid-state NMR experimentation on inorganic materials. Besides those requirements, previous research experience with NMR on glasses (or other structurally disordered materials) is considered particularly advantageous. The applicant should have a strong knowledge in English, both orally and in writing, and an ability to interact and collaborate with colleagues.
Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date in April 2024 or as per agreement.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Mattias Edén telephone: +46 8 16 23 75, [email protected].
Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected], Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected], and [email protected] (SEKO).
Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
and, in addition, please include the following documents
- Cover letter
- CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
- Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
– why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
– why and how you wish to complete the project
– what makes you suitable for the project in question - Copy of PhD diploma
- Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
- Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).
The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.
You are welcome to apply!
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Closing date: 31/01/2024
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