Postdoc position in physical chemistry/materials chemistry

This postdoc position is an opportunity to work with solar-to-fuels energy conversion from a combined physical, materials and theoretical chemistry perspective. The project targets important scientific challenges such as efficient CO2 reduction using sustainable molecular materials in aqueous environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a newly graduated PhD to further develop existing skills and achieve new ones, since the project spans everything from materials synthesis to mechanistic and kinetic studies and to optimizing catalysis, carried out in a multidisciplinary environment.

Information about the research/the project/the division
Professor Maria Abrahamsson's research is devoted to various fundamental aspects of light-matter interaction and especially to solar energy conversion. Specifically, she studies the underlying principles and processes that govern energy conversion with emphasis on photophysical and photochemical studies of molecules and materials that have the ability to convert photons into either electricity or fuels. This project is aimed at photocatalytic conversion of molecules like CO2 and will be carried out in the close collaboration with professor Hanna Härelind, who has vast experience researching materials for catalysis and assistant professor Julia Wiktor who is an expert in materials modelling. The main focus for this project is synthesis of photoresponsive materials and characterization of their photocatalytic properties, followed by mechanistic studies of the catalytic processes. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with professors Hanna Härelind and Julia Wiktor.

Major responsibilities
The major responsibility is to carry out own research and tasks related to normal laboratory work, to communicate research results in papers and through oral presentations. In addition, some teaching tasks may be included, as well as drafting proposals for additional funding.  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
We are looking for a PhD in chemistry or materials science with experience in materials synthesis and characterization, with a strong interest in photocatalysis who wants to develope these skills further, and also take on optical spectroscopic challenges. Alternatively, you have experience with time-resolved optical spectroscopic techniques and want to learn more about materials synthesis and characterization and combine that with your interest in photocatalysis. The successful candidate should be a highly motivated, quality conscious individual with a PhD that is not older than two years. You should find it motivating working alone as well as in close collaboration with others. As Chalmers is a highly international enviroment proficency in written and spoken English is necessary. The project is a one-year project with possibility of one-year extension.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

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 20200481 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 reserach, 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: 20th of November - 2020

For questions, please contact:
Professor Maria Abrahamsson
abmaria@chalmers.se
+46-31-772 3069

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. *** 
   



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 eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!