Postdoc in Surface modification of graphene and its related 2D materials

Would you like to change the everyday lives of millions of people? Would you like your research to make a splash even outside of the academic world? Now you can.

Most people come into contact with packages for food, snacks and confectionaries on a daily basis. As the food- and food packaging industries are steering away from plastic packages towards more sustainable alternatives, there is a need for new gas barrier technologies. Your work in this project aims at the heart of this transition and is carried out in close collaboration with a world leading producer of renewable packaging material.

In this project you will investigate the interaction of graphene and graphene related materials (GRM) with polymers at the molecular level. The main activities include modifying the surface of GRM by different synthetic methods, and their interactions with various matrix materials. You will evaluate the macroscopic properties of modified GRM, and exploring the gas barrier performance in close collaboration with Industry (Billerudkorsnäs).

This is a fully funded position with a competitive salary, and social benefits according to Swedish standards.

We offer excellent working conditions, and access to world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Information about the research
Graphene-based technology, which allows to produce 2-dimensional materials (2DM) with tunable properties on large scale, is becoming mature for industrial applications. First large-scale applications of 2DM are already commercial, mostly based on graphene-polymer composites. However, the interaction of GRM with polymers still need to be investigated and understood at molecular level based on in-depth fundamental research. The surface chemistry of 2DM plays an important role on its uniform distribution in the materials matrix. The processing and study of complex microstructure of GRM based multifunctional composites are more challenging than lab scale synthesis, but the skills to tackle them have now been developed by the scientific community, and time is mature for further development. 

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform daily research activities in the lab in an independent way. You are expected to develop own scientific concepts and communicate the results of the research performed verbally and in writing in English.

The main activities are to modify the surface of different graphene related materials using different synthetic methods, to investigate the interaction of modified graphene with other matrix materials, to evaluate the properties and characteristics of modified GRM, to process GRM/polymer composites into coatings, and to investigate the gas barrier performance.

As a postdoc you are expected to develop efficient methods to modify the surface of graphene and related 2D materials.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You should be fluent in English, have good collaborative skills and ability to communicate your results in writing and presentations. We expect you to stay motivated and efficient despite setbacks and disappointments while continuing to work until non-trivial results have been achieved.

· PhD in Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. 
· Highly motivated and independent candidate, with strong passion and good knowledge of materials synthesis, surface modification;
· Ability to disseminate scientific results. 
· Interest in the production of graphene based composites
· Full professional proficiency in English.
  
The following qualifications will be considered as advantages:

· Experience in surface chemistry, graphene related 2d materials, advanced materials characterization techniques and/or gas barriers.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

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 deadline: 28 March 2022. 

Read more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10306&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!