Postdoc in Metal recovery from MSWI fly ash and stabilization of the ash

Combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a central part of the waste management system in many countries, especially in Sweden, where less than one percent of the household waste is landfilled. Although this practice has advantages, it also has a huge, inherent problem - the formation of millions of tons of ashes containing toxic chemical species, especially heavy metals. Landfilling and reuse of the fly ashes are challenging due to reachable and potentially toxic metals. In our work, we focus on solving this important problem. The position will allow the Post Doc researcher to develop skills and knowledge on not only the ash chemistry, recycling, chemical/metallurgical technologies, and advanced material characterization techniques but also communication, reporting, and creative thinking.

Information about the project
The project aims to recover valuable metals and reduce the mobility of remaining toxic metals from municipal solid waste (MSW) combustion fly ashes by supercritical fluid technology. The research challenges the resource recovery from hazardous waste, which continuously increasing each year. The project covers the general characterization of the ash structure, specifically metal compounds by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), thermodynamic modeling of the formation reactions, recovery of valuable metals, and stabilization of the ash structure to minimize the leachability of the specific heavy metals. Alternative innovative applications and treatment methodologies are also in the scope of the project.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility is to pursue research in line with the project, publish and present scientific articles and take part in discussions. You will also be expected to take responsibility for some of the departmental duties and participate in teaching activities in the field of Chemistry as well as 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.

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

Qualifications
Candidates must receive PhD Degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy and Material Science or Physics before the expected employment date. The degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and experience in chemical or metallurgical processes on a laboratory scale.

Experience in X-ray diffraction, Rietveld Refinement, electron microscopy, and other characterization methods are valuable merit for the position. 

As a person, you are Open-minded to work in an international group and have a decisive personality to overcome research based problems and not lose motivation in temporary difficulties.
Having perseverance and commitment to gain knowledge, to complete work or to do well, and being aware of responsibilities.
It is also important to be curious and enthusiastic about the research field as well as having the ability to work and think independently and being self-confident. 

Swedish is not a requirement but if you have an interest in learning Swedish, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.  
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200586 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

Application deadline: 10 January, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Burçak Ebin, Energy and Materials, burcak@chalmers.se,
Tel: +46731455083

Information about the department:
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers and covers a large array of research from basic to applied. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials, solar cells and fuels, high temperature corrosion, and catalysis. The Department is heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg. Our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

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