Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Chemistry

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's top universities. It has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We unite in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of human life.

Lund University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations.

Specific Subject Description

Physical chemistry involves research related to molecular questions. The experimental and theoretical methods used often have their origins in physics. The focus of physical chemistry at the Department of Chemistry is on research, both experimental and theoretical, within surface and colloid chemistry, with a particular focus 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 on the structuring and macroscopic properties of a suspension under flow using interfacial rheology and microfluidics. Initially, model polymer particles will be used, such as microgels. In these experiments, we will investigate how the individual particle properties, such as softness and shape, affect their behavior under flow. Later, we will move on to more challenging biorelevant macromolecules, such as proteins, to investigate general behaviors compared to synthetic soft particles.

The main responsibilities in a postdoctoral position are to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to a maximum of 20% of the working time. The position will include the opportunity for three weeks of higher education pedagogical training.

Eligibility Requirements

To be employed as a postdoctoral researcher, the applicant must have a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, in the subject of the position, and this must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the date of the employment decision. Under special circumstances, the PhD may have been obtained earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented knowledge and experience in non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.

Assessment Criteria and Other Qualifications

This is a qualifying position focused on research. The position is intended as a first step in an academic career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and research potential. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific competence within the subject area.

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, the following will constitute assessment criteria:

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

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience with dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), QCM-D, etc.
• Practical experience with microfluidic methods for the production of, for example, emulsion or lipid nanoparticles.

Collaboration skills, drive, and independence will also be considered in the assessment, as well as how the applicant's experience and competence complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and how they are expected to contribute to its future development.

Employment Conditions

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 3 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

The application must be written in English and compiled into a PDF file containing:

• CV, including the most relevant publications (maximum three) for the position, indicating the candidate's role,
• A general description of previous research and future research interests (maximum two pages),
• Contact details for at least two references,
• A copy of the PhD certificate and any other certificates/degrees that are to be cited.

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,900 students, 330 doctoral students, and 730 employees.

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