PhD student position in Polymer Blends for Cellulose Nanocomposites

Information about the project
We are now looking for a highly motivated student who will work in the area of cellulose-reinforced thermoplastics. Your PhD project will be part of a larger research programme that involves two other research groups at Chalmers and KTH, as well as industrial partners. Our goal is the development of generic methods and tools for future production of high performance nanocellulose biocomposites, based on a solid fundamental knowledge base.

The aim of your research project will be to develop a detailed understanding of the thermodynamic phase behaviour of polar polyolefin-based copolymers in water, as well as their blends with apolar commodity polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The former will enable us to design processing schemes based on wet compounding of aqueous nanocellulose dispersions, whilst the latter will be critical for melt extrusion of ternary composites that comprise polar compatibilisers and nanocellulose in an apolar matrix.

We envisage that your project will both have a significant scientific impact with regard to the physical chemistry of polymer blends, as well as high technological relevance in the field of nanocellulose-based materials and nanocomposites in general.

Information about the Research Group
The Müller Research Group focuses on the physical chemistry and materials science of organic semiconductors, polymer blends and composites, and develops new plastic materials for energy technologies ranging from organic solar cells and thermoelectrics to power cables.  All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, the Müller Research Group consists of 1 Associate Professor, 4 Postdocs, 6 PhD students and several Master students.

For more information visit our homepage at:
http://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/Christian-Müller.aspx

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research studies. As a PhD student you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results in English, both orally as well as in writing. In addition, the position will normally include 5% departmental work, mostly teaching duties. Undergraduates are normally taught in Swedish, although the graduate level teaching is in English. Applicants whose native language is not Swedish should be able to teach in Swedish after two years of employment.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a Master degree (at least 240 higher education credits) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or equivalent with a focus on polymer science and technology, including polymer composites and, possibly, cellulosic materials. Experience with materials characterization tools such as NMR, SEC-GPC, FTIR, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), optical and electron microscopy as well as mechanical analysis (DMA, tensile testing) is a merit. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have excellent collaboration skills. A very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: 30 August, 2016
Interviews will be conducted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Therefore, please submit your application prior to the application deadline.

For questions, please contact:
Christian Müller, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; christian.muller@chalmers.se; +46 31 772 2790
Lars Nordstierna, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; lars.nordstierna@chalmers.se; +46 31 772 29 73


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



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!