About this role
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading higher education institutions. It has approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our pursuit to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of humanity.
Lund University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all aspects of our operations.
**Description of the Workplace**
This position will be part of the research group for Polymer Technology within the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry, LTH.
We are a highly international unit and strive to maintain an effective and pleasant working environment.
Research at CAS encompasses a wide range of chemistry and materials-related fields, with a particular focus on sustainability-oriented development, including molecular design and chemical synthesis, organic and inorganic material synthesis and characterization, as well as chemical analysis of structure and morphology.
This position is particularly well aligned with our long-term ambition to help address the environmental challenges caused by the extensive use of plastics. You can read more about our relevant research in the recently completed project "STEPS":
https://www.steps-mistra.se/
**Subject Description**
The subject of polymer technology at LTH is interdisciplinary and includes the chemistry and physics of polymers, processing and use of polymers and polymeric materials.
The postdoctoral project focuses on the synthesis of new bio-based monomers and polymers derived from building blocks from renewable resources, primarily seaweed, and the characterization of the structure and properties of these materials, as well as their application potential. The main goal is to develop new synthesis strategies and new knowledge on how these bio-based polymers should be molecularly tailored to meet the requirement profiles for various industrial applications that currently use fossil-based plastics. The experimental work includes chemical synthesis and molecular characterization of monomers and polymers, production of new polymeric materials, as well as analysis of, for example, mechanical and thermal properties, microstructure, and processability. Research within the projects is conducted in collaboration with companies and institutes under the framework of the Formas-funded research program. Institutional duties, including maintenance of instruments and teaching in undergraduate courses, will also be part of the position.
**Responsibilities**
The primary responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher will be to conduct research. Teaching may also be included in the responsibilities, but no more than one-fifth of the working time. Within the framework of the position, there is an opportunity for three weeks of higher education pedagogical training. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and create conditions for further qualification.
The responsibilities include:
- Research within the research project
- Collaboration with academic partners
- Supervision of thesis students and doctoral candidates
- Limited administration related to the above responsibilities
- Limited responsibility for the operation of some of the research group's instruments
**Eligibility**
To be eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher, one must have obtained a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree, within the subject area of the position. Proof of meeting the eligibility requirement must be submitted by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, the applicant should have obtained their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier.
**Other Requirements:**
- Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written
- Doctorate in chemistry with a focus on polymer chemistry or equivalent.
**Assessment Criteria**
This is a qualification position primarily focused on research. The appointment is intended as an initial step in the career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area.
The following will be the basis for assessment when hiring a postdoctoral researcher:
- Strong ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
- Teaching ability.
**Other Qualifications:**
- Proficiency and previous experience with monomer and polymer synthesis, as well as
- Experience in practically producing and characterizing complex polymer structures, especially polycondensation, is advantageous.
Consideration will be given to how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen the research within the department/institution and contribute to its future development.
**We Offer**
Lund University is a government authority, which means you will receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension.
Read more on the university's website about working with us: https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss
**Other Information**
The position is temporary for two years and is full-time. The employment is limited according to the collective agreement, "Agreement on Fixed-Term Employment as a Postdoctoral Researcher."
**How to Apply**
Applications should be written in English and should include a CV