Postdoc in Doping of Conjugated Polymers for Wearable Electronics

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoc to join our research group at Chalmers. You will be part of our organic electronics team and focus on chemically and/or electrochemically doped conjugated polymers. We are interested in learning how doping influences the electrical and mechanical properties of conjugated polymers, with ultimate use for applications from energy harvesting and storage to bioelectronics. 

Project description
The goal of your project will be to develop methods that allow to study the electrical and mechanical properties in-situ and characterize materials that are of interest for thermoelectrics and wearable electronics, including e-textiles. You will work closely with several PhD students in our group, as well as with several external collaborators, and together study the mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties of different types of doped conjugated polymers. You will have the opportunity to travel, in order to attend conferences and visit the labs of external collaborators. Our recent paper about tuning of the elastic modulus through doping is a good example of the type of work that your project will entail (Materials Horizons 2022, 9, 433; https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01079D).

Information about the research group and the department
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 use in the fields of wearable electronics and energy technology. All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, our group consists of 1 Professor, 1 Permanent Researcher, 3 Postdocs and 9 PhD students. You will work at the department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research, in collaboration with other postdocs and students in our group, as well as collaborating groups. In addition, you are expected to support and mentor the PhD students in our group that work on related topics. As a Postdoc you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results orally as well as in writing. The position may also include 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 must have a PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering or equivalent (or be in the process of completing a PhD degree) with focus on organic electronics and specifically the electrical characterization of (doped) organic semiconductors, including solution-processed conjugated polymers. The PhD degree must have been awarded not more than three (3) years ago on the day of the application deadline.

A promising track record of early achievements such as scientific publications is expected. You should have experience with characterization tools that allow to study the electrical and electrochemical properties of conjugated polymers, as well as their nanostructure and optical properties. Relevant techniques include FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), X-ray diffraction (WAXS, SAXS), optical microscopy, AFM, SEM, TEM, as well as electrical conductivity measurements, spectroelectrochemistry and cyclic voltammetry. Experience with rheometry and DMA is a merit. Previous experience with processing of polymers, including both conjugated and insulating polymers, as well as nanocellulose based materials 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.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment for a maximum of two (2) years, with the possibility to extend by one (1) more year provided project funding is available and the project goes according to plan. The monthly salary of a Postdoc researcher at Chalmers is about 38'000 SEK before tax (€ 3'200).

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 20230466 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
• 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: 2023-08-21
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:
Prof. Christian Müller, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, christian.muller@chalmers.se, +46317722790


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