Postdoctoral appointment in Chemistry, focused on separation techniques - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background
At the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, the research environment Pro2BE (Processes and products for a circular bioeconomy, https://www.kau.se/en/pro2be) focuses on sustainable solutions for process technology and product applications for the forest industry and society at large.

Karlstad University is one of the participants in the research project MultiBarr, funded by the Knowledge Foundation and participating businesses, which focuses on the functional coating of paper, cardboard, and nonwovens. Due to the multi-faceted nature of the research questions, three subjects at Karlstad University are involved in the project: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The intended functions for the substrate are, on the one hand, good barrier properties in relation to the permeability of water and oxygen, as well as grease resistance, and, on the other, anti-microbial resistance.

For our work with anti-microbial coatings in the MultiBarr project, we need to strengthen our research profile through a postdoctoral appointment. This research is conducted by the research group focused on separation techniques (Analytical Chemistry) in close collaboration with the research group focused on surface treatments (Chemical Engineering). Both research groups are affiliated with Pro2BE and active in international, national, and regional networks and collaborations. Read more here: https://www.kau.se/en/chemistry/research/analytical-chemistry,  www.fssg.se/, https://www.kau.se/en/pro2be/research-areas/functional-surfaces-and-sustainable-materials, and www.kau.se/en/psc.

Duties
The work tasks are primarily related to anti-microbial modification of nonwovens and paper. The modification is done through application of bioactive fluids (suspensions or solutions) onto the surfaces. A key aspect is the use of carriers for the anti-microbial substances. Adsorption/absorption and desorption are important unit processes in studies of the loading of carriers and how they contribute to the function of coatings. The characterization of the modified surfaces will be performed by various separation techniques.

You will cooperate with other researchers in MultiBarr and Pro2BE.

Qualification requirements
To be eligible for the position, applicants are required to hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or another related subject relevant for the appointment, or have equivalent qualifications achieved abroad. The candidate must have completed the degree no more than three years before the end of the application period, unless special grounds exist.

The applicant must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Assessment criteria
Special emphasis is placed on the applicant’s academic qualifications in relevant areas of research. The applicant should have documented skills in conducting advanced research successfully, specifically on the adsorption and desorption of large molecules such as oligomers, polymers, and peptides, as well as separation processes in the two-phase system fluid/solid phase. This includes experience of adsorption experiments with related data processing aimed at characterising thermodynamics and kinetics. Special emphasis is therefore also placed on experimental experience of chromatographic separation techniques. Experience in modeling and programming is an advantage.

Emphasis is also placed on the applicant’s personal qualities, such as the ability to cooperate, to perform tasks with dedication, and to work independently. A positive attitude towards colleagues is a given. The assessment will also be based on the applicant’s documented ability to work in an innovative research network of universities, institutes, and industry partners of different sizes.

Terms
The position is a fixed-term, full time position for 12 months. Starting date preferable before 15 May, 2020.

Application
Application should include well documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted no later than the application deadline.

The application should include:

• Application letter briefly describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position
• Detailed list of qualifications/CV
• List of publications
• Copies of relevant transcripts, degree certificates, employment certificates and letters of recommendation
• Copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
• Other documents the applicant wants to submit
• Information on language skills
• Contact information to at least two references

Submit your application via the university’s web based recruitment tool and attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not provide links to them).

One copy of documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to

Karlstads universitet
Registrator
651 88 Karlstad
State ref.no: REK2020/3

Application deadline: 14 March 2020

We look forward to your application!

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