Postdoc in sustainability assessment of novel antifouling coatings

The Baltic Sea has some of the busiest shipping routes in the world, which adversely affects the local marine ecosystems. One particular source of pollution is the emissions of biocides from antifouling paints. Alternatives exist, including commercial biocide-free foul-release coatings and novel lignin- and oleogel-based antifouling coatings that prevent fouling due to a low adhesion surface with anti-bacterial properties. However, large field trials have so far not been conducted for lignin- and oleogel-based antifouling coatings and little is known about the environmental impact a large-scale use of these novel coatings may have on the Baltic Sea. The overarching objective of this postdoc project is to bridge this knowledge gap by i) in field trials assess the efficacy of novel lignin- and oleogel-based antifouling coatings in preventing biofouling and ii) produce leachate water from the coatings and through ecotoxicological assays predict environmental risks and impacts.

This postdoc position, hosted at the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), offers the opportunity to join an inclusive and creative interdisciplinary team conducting research aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of shipping. The position entails versatile work tasks, combining theoretical elements with experimental work in both lab and field. The work will contribute to science-based policy development as research results will be directly implemented and used by society.

Project description
Marine biological fouling (biofouling) is a severe problem for the shipping sector as it leads to higher frictional resistance with subsequent speed reduction or higher fuel consumption. At the unit of Maritime Environmental Sciences (MES) we are involved in several projects with researchers from Luleå University of Technology where novel lignin- and oleogel based multifunctional self-healing, wear resistant, anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings are developed. In this postdoc position, several novel marine coatings will be assessed based on their efficacy to prevent biofouling and environmental impact through field and lab studies. The position also includes opportunities to collaborate with other national and international universities and research institutions.

The successful candidate will be employed as a postdoc at the unit of Maritime Environmental Science (MES). The common denominator of the research carried out at MES is the aim to contribute to the sustainable development of shipping and other maritime activities. We are actively sharing our research results with the research community, policymakers and the wider public.

Major responsibilities
The project includes both experimental laboratory and field work as well as data analysis. The successful candidate will prepare and participate in field experiments where different types of antifouling coatings will be exposed in coastal waters across Europe. The work will be conducted in collaboration with shipping operators, ports and authorities. The overall sustainability assessment will be conducted with the decision-support tool HullMASTER, developed for ship operators and environmental agencies, and a major task for the postdoc candidate is hence to transfer the field data and the ecotoxicological data to the tool. If there is interest, the position may also offer the possibility to help with teaching and/or (co-)supervise bachelor and master students.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you must have a PhD awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers) in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Additional requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Experience in ecotoxicology and environmental risk assessment analysis.
- Experience in fouling assessment, programming, visualization as well as expertise in shipping and antifouling strategies are meritorious.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

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 procedure
The application should be marked with 20230744 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

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.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: January 8, 2024
 
For questions, please contact:
Senior researcher Erik Ytreberg
Email: erik.ytreberg@chalmers.se
Tel: +46 (0)31-7722749

Associate Professor Lena Granhag
Email: lena.granhag@chalmers.se
Tel: +46 (0)31-7721461


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