Postdoc in mass transport in absorbents used for hygiene products

This project at the Chemical Engineering division of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering department enables you to:
- gain understanding in mass transport phenomena in absorbents used for hygiene products
- work closely with industrial processes and experts
- get/deepen knowledge on magnetic resonance imaging.

Information about the research
The uptake of body fluids is the main asset of a personal hygiene product. To be more specific, typical attributes of personal disposal hygiene products are the amount of body fluid that can be absorbed and the rate of absorption to prevent the unwanted leakages and the location of the fluid—preferably not close to the skin. Historically, natural polymers found in personal disposal hygiene products have been cellulose-based, which has further advantages—a low CO2 impact and being renewable. There are various synthetic polymers, which are classified as superabsorbent, for example polyacrylates. Nowadays, a combination of both synthetic and natural polymers might be used.

The main goal of this project aims at developing MRI methodologies for both in-situ studies and at equilibrium to monitor the uptake of fluid in superabsorbent and composite materials.

The position will be located at the Chemical Engineering division of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering department. The Division of Chemical Engineering includes two units: Chemical Reaction and Process Engineering, Forest Products and Chemical Engineering. We have a wide range of experience and work both experimentally and with modeling. There is a long tradition of working with both fundamental scientific questions and applied problems together with industry. This position is within the unit for Chemical Reaction and Process Engineering.

Major responsibilities
You will participate in research together with experts from industry on monitoring mass transport in absorbents used for hygiene products using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You are expected to learn MRI, if you don't have prior knowledge and write journal papers and present the results at meetings.

The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
We represent a broad field of fundamental and applied research and education within chemistry and chemical engineering. Our research activities reach from fundamental chemistry, chemistry at the interface of biology and medicine, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, as well as theory and modelling. We are committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level.

Academic freedom, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and making societal impact, are key factors in our work. We strive to offer an environment where you can combine world leading research and teaching with a good work-life balance.

Contract terms
The position as a postdoc is a full-time temporary employment (1+0.5) that offers an opportunity to qualify for further research positions within academia or industry.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you must have a doctoral degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or similar; the degree should generally not be older than three years.

You must have good command of spoken and written English and have good presentation and collaborative skills.

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 20220004 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
• 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.

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

Application deadline: 15 February, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Diana Bernin,
diana.bernin@chalmers.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!