Postdoc in Mechanical behaviour of natural fibres and their interface

We welcome applicants for an exciting postdoc position where you will take part in a project that contributes to the development of sustainable materials of the future. The project is a multidisciplinary project where chemistry and material science meet mechanics to transfer chemical physical results into theories and mathematical models. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Information about the project
Natural fibres have gained an enormous interest during the last centuries, for both materials from themself and as in the form of mixtures, giving natural fibre composites. The interface between the components has a paramount effect on the bulk properties of the formed materials. The surface properties of the natural fibres are often tuned by chemical modification, improving their surface properties as well as their dispersion properties, fibre-fibre interaction. Consequently, many studies have been done trying to optimise the fibre surface properties. However, an often-neglected parameter is how the fibres intrinsic properties are changed by chemical surface modification.

The main activities include:
1) chemical modification and characterisation of natural fibres
2) to build a testing platform that can provide variable and well-controlled humidity for tensile testing of single natural fibres and testing of interfacial adhesion between the fibre and polymer;
3) to make the platform adaptable to in-situ testing in an advanced electron microscope;
4) to gain a fundamental understanding on the influence of humidity on the mechanical properties of natural fibres and the interface between the fibre and polymer;
5) to perform numerical simulations to extract fibre and interface properties necessary for the prediction of mechanical properties of the composite
6) to analysis of data and write articles.

Information about the department
The position is placed at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering which represent a broad field of fundamental and applied research and education within chemistry and chemical engineering. We strive to offer an environment where you can combine world leading research and teaching with a good work-life balance.

You will have the opportunity to work in a truly interdisciplinary team that closely interacts with industry partners. This project also offers a collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Materials Science. They cover the entire value chain from materials design, processing and characterisation to machining of materials and employ a range of technologies and advanced characterisation techniques.

Major responsibilities
You are expected to perform daily research activities in the lab in an independent way. The focus of the research is to perform chemical functionalization of fibres, in-depth structural characterization via various advanced material characterization techniques and computer modelling of fibre composites. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of the research performed verbally and in writing, in English. Since the project is interdisciplinary it is also important to have the ability to discuss the project with people with different skills and knowledge.

Within this project, we aim to gain a fundamental understanding from a single -fibre perspective on the mechanical behaviours of natural fibres and their interface with polymers under the influence of various humidity levels. The work will mostly include experimental work, analysis and reporting. 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.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanics of Materials or other related disciplines and a background in micromechanical testing. It is meritorious if you have working knowledge on natural fibres, composites, advanced electron microscopy, programming tools, material modelling and numerical simulations. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. 

We are looking for an organised person with a high motivation for exploring the unknown, and you should have an ability to work independently as well as in a team with diverse backgrounds.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 

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 20210534 and written in English.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9977&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 31 December, 2021

*** 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!