Postdoc in High Voltage Insulation Materials

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to join our research team at Chalmers. Your project will focus on the development of new materials concepts for power cables. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Borealis AB.

Borealis is a world leader of innovative plastics materials and has intensive research activities in a number of fields ranging from power cables to automotive parts and films used in the food industry, covering the entire range from polymer design and catalysis to processing and mechanical performance. In particular, Borealis is a global leader in High Voltage AC and DC polymer solutions with extensive research and development activities.

In order to address the surging demand for renewable energy solutions from solar, wind and hydro, there is strong interest in further development of power transmission technology. A critical component is the insulation layer of high-voltage power cables. Previous work has identified a number of new material concepts.

Your task will be to carry out an in-depth investigation of the interplay between the nanostructure and the resulting electrical and thermo-mechanical properties of potential insulation materials such as polyolefin blends. The goal of your research will be to advance fundamental scientific understanding. Ultimately, the knowledge gained may allow to identify materials concepts that could be of interest for the development of insulation materials.

Information about the research
The Müller Research Group focuses on the materials science of organic semiconductors, polymer blends and composites, and develops new plastic materials for wearable electronics and 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.

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research, in strong collaboration with other postdocs and students as well as a reference group at Borealis. As a Postdoc you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results orally as well as in writing.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or equivalent with a focus on Polymer Science and Technology. At the application deadline, the PhD degree must not be older than three years old, taking into account for example parental leave, military service or medical reasons.

Mandatory skills include experience with polymer processing, especially compounding and extrusion of polymer blends and composites, as well as materials chemistry with a focus on polymer science and technology.

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. Swedish is not a requirement. The candidate must demonstrate a promising publication record.

Experience with materials characterization tools such as thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), FTIR, X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy and mechanical analysis (DMA, tensile testing, creep) is a merit. Knowledge of electrical characterization (e.g. electrical resistance measurements) will be considered favorably.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two (2) years but can be extended by one (1) more year provided that funding is available and the project progresses according to plan. 

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 20220100 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

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 experience with polymer science and technology?


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

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 12 April 2022. 
Interviews will be conducted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Therefore, please submit your application prior to the application deadline.

Read more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10293&rmlang=SE


*** 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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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!