Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Chemistry

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Subject Description

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

The current project focuses on soft matter, particularly on studying the flow properties of compressible colloids, microgels, by combining scattering techniques with bulk rheology.

Job Responsibilities

The candidate will study the role of the softness of an individual colloid in structuring and the 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 investigate both particle-to-particle arrangements and the shape of the individual colloid. We will optimize and realize two shear cells, one to investigate small-angle scattering (SAS) in the flow plane, the optimal plane for observing deformations of a material, and the other to investigate high applied shear (>104 s-1). The cells will also enable simultaneous polarized microscopy, rheology, and SAS experiments. Microgel suspensions are a prime example of complex fluids that exhibit transitions from liquid to crystal, shear, banding, and the potential to form glassy or jammed systems. These phenomena are common in most soft materials, both synthetic and biorelevant, e.g., protein suspensions, saliva, and blood. SAS experiments in the flow plane and at unprecedented high shear rates will allow us to identify the key parameters of a colloidal particle's softness that affect the flow properties of the suspension and the role of particle softness in the formation of bands that flow differently. The knowledge developed in this project will pave the way for the design of soft colloids for biomedical applications, emulsion-stabilized formulations of cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos.

The main tasks in a postdoctoral position are to conduct research. Teaching may also occur, but no more than 20% of the working time. The employment will include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education pedagogy.

Eligibility

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, the applicant must have obtained a doctoral degree, or have an international degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree, in the subject area of the employment, obtained no more than three years before the date of the employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier.

Additional Requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented knowledge of and experience with bulk rheology.

Assessment Criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The employment is intended as a first step in the career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their research merits and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills in the subject.

When filling the postdoctoral position, the following will be assessment criteria:

• Good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Pedagogical skill.

Additional Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge of and experience in the use of small-angle neutron scattering.
• Knowledge of and experience in small-angle X-ray scattering.
• Experience with experiments combining rheology and small-angle scattering.
• Experience in developing sample environments.
• Experience in coding (e.g., Python) and integrating sample environments.
• Scientific production of articles in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Experience in maintaining and monitoring the use of instruments, e.g., rheometers and dynamic light scattering with multiple angles.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, how the applicant's experience and competence complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how the applicant can contribute to its future development.

Conditions

This is a fixed-term full-time position for a maximum of 2 years. The employment period is determined in accordance with the agreement “Agreement on Fixed-Term Employment as a Postdoctoral Researcher” between Lund University, SACO-S, and OFR/S, dated February 1, 2022.

Application Instructions

Applications should be written in English and compiled into a PDF file containing the following:

• CV, including the most important publications (maximum three) relevant to the position, indicating the applicant's role,
• A general description of previous research and future research interests (maximum two pages),
• Contact details for at least two references,
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate and other certificates/grades you wish to be considered.

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted at eight departments gathered within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,500 students, 330 doctoral students, and 700 employees.

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