Chemical functionalization of graphene for applications in cements

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers with research ranging from the most fundamental level to a level close to application in industry and society. The research activities reach from DNA-research and biomaterials to high temperature corrosion, catalysis and recycling.
https://www.chalmers.se/institutioner/kemi/

Project description
The position will focus on the chemical functionalization of graphene using both covalent and noncovalent approaches. The functionalized graphene will be characterized fully using various spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques. The functionalized graphene will be used for applications in cement-based systems to promote properties such as hydration kinetics, self sensing or mechanical properties with a major focus on hydration kinetics. The candidate will work on leading edge research in chemistry and materials science: chemical functionalization of graphene using both covalent and noncovalent approaches towards applications in cements. The project will involve a close collaboration between the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

The postdoctoral position will be located at the division of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the first year, one of four research divisions at the Department of Chemistry and chemical engineering. The Division offers a dynamic work environment with state of the art equipment, a high percentage of young researchers as well as several well-established scientists in different branches of the basic chemistry disciplines. The research questions dealt with at the division ranges from advancing solar energy conversion to understanding nerve signals and learning. A diverse set of methodologies and techniques, such as chemical synthesis, electronic spectroscopy and imaging mass spectrometry, are used to answer these questions.

During the second year, the candidate will continue the work at the Building Technology division, in Architecture and civil Engineering department. The division consists of four research groups: Building Materials, Building Physics, Infrastructure Physics and Sustainable Building. All groups work with sustainable materials, buildings, and infrastructures. Since a large amount of the world energy use relates to buildings, much of the research at the division deals with energy issues. Within the research group Building Materials, the main focus is on cement-based building materials and their composites. One major area is transport properties of liquid, gas, ion and moisture in porous materials through which research on durability and service life of materials in long-term use in various environments is conducted. Another area is minimization of carbon dixide foot-print assigned with cement production with utilization of alternative cement replacement materials. The Division of Building Technology also teaches in all levels of education at Chalmers, primarily in the areas of Civil Engineering and Architecture. The announced position will be placed in the research group Building Materials (during the second year), which provides research and education within building materials including cement, concrete, wood, bitumen and polymer composites.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have:
(1) PhD degree primarily in Organic Chemistry, Material Chemistry or Physical Chemistry, or related.
(2) High motivation, and an analytical and problem-solving personality.
(3) Excellent team-working and communication skills.
(4) Good English communication skills, both orally as well as written.
(5) Ability to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).


Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment limited to two years. Employment expected to begin June 2023.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230166 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 15 April 2023

 
For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Xiaoyan Zhang, Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, xiaoyan.zhang@chalmers.se, +46 317728212
Assistant Professor Arezou Baba Ahmadi, Building Materials, arezou.ahmadi@chalmers.se,  +46 31 772 11 61

 
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***