Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Structure Characterization

Chemistry with more than 200 employees is one of the largest institutions at Stockholm University.

The research at Chemistry spans all areas of chemistry, including analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry, as well as organic chemistry. The research projects are numerous, ranging from theory to experiments, from pure fundamental research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry, but also advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials. Chemistry has a well-developed research infrastructure with a variety of equipment supported by qualified staff researchers.

Chemistry also hosts undergraduate education in chemistry as well as three master's programs; analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. Doctoral education is conducted in five areas; analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/kemikum/ (https://www.su.se/kemikum/).

This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org (https://wise-materials.org)). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest investment in materials science in Sweden ever and will include significant investments at Sweden's leading universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org (https://wise-materials.org).

Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Research School, https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ (https://wise-materials.org/research-school/), an ambitious nationwide program with seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network among PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Project Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project to explore the atomic structures of plant-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using advanced electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Bio-based MOF adsorbents, which can be made from plant-based ligand molecules, have shown selective properties, e.g., for the removal of water pollutants.

The properties of a material are determined by its structures at the atomic and molecular level, and its selectivity in adsorption is largely governed by structure and chemical functionality at the atomic level. In this project, we will develop advanced characterization techniques based on transmission electron microscopy, such as phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) to study the local structure and defects in MOFs at the atomic scale.

You will work in a research group led by Tom Willhammar (http://www.willhammargroup.com (http://www.willhammargroup.com)).

Job Responsibilities

The project aims to develop protocols for structural investigations of MOF adsorbents at the atomic level, including defects and disorder. For this purpose, you will use techniques based on electron crystallography, such as 3D electron diffraction (3D ED/MicroED) and STEM imaging. This includes using electron microscopy data to study the local atomic structures of MOF crystals. The project also aims to develop protocols and methods for imaging MOF materials using STEM. You may also contribute to the synthesis of MOFs.

Eligibility Requirements

A postdoctoral researcher is defined as an employee primarily hired for research who has obtained a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Assessment Criteria

The degree must have been obtained no later than when the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, union duties, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on scientific competence and research skills relevant to this project. We are looking for an excellent candidate with previous experience in structural characterization, including transmission electron microscopy and crystallography, as well as nanoporous materials. Knowledge of aberration-corrected (S)TEM, 3D electron diffraction, or MOFs is advantageous. Demonstrable experience with advanced techniques in (S)TEM such as 4D STEM, integrated differential phase-contrast (iDPC), cryo-EM, and/or ptychography is a merit. Experience in scientific programming and/or familiarity with beam-sensitive samples is an asset. Given the international collaborations involved in this project, excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are important.

About the Employment

The position is full-time and is permanent, but at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date by agreement.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information is provided by Tom Willhammar, mailto:[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). General information about the workplace, Chemistry at Stockholm University, can be obtained from the head, Professor Niklas Hedin, mailto:[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested attachments in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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