Postdoc position on New Polymers for Power Cable Insulation

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoc to join our research group at Chalmers. You will be part of our power cable insulation team and focus on the design and evaluation of new polymers and polymer formulations for use as high voltage insulation materials. Your goal will be to gain a broad understanding of the interplay of the microstructure and the resulting thermo-mechanical and electrical properties, including the electrical and thermal conductivity. You will work closely with several PhD students in our group, as well as with several external collaborators in both academia and industry, and together study the thermo-mechanical and electrical properties of the materials that you have developed. The research topic is very close to industry, with many prominent companies active in Sweden, and previous group members have quickly found employment after their time with us.

Information about the research/the project/the division
The Müller Research Group focuses on the physical chemistry and materials science of organic semiconductors, polymer blends and composites, and develops new plastic materials for use in the fields of wearable electronics and energy technology. All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, our group consists of 1 Professor, 1 Research Staff, 4 Postdocs and 7 PhD students.

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research, in collaboration with other postdocs and students in our group, as well as collaborators in academia and industry. In addition, you are expected to support and mentor the PhD students in our group that work on related topics. As a Postdoc you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results orally as well as in writing.

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

Qualifications
You must have a PhD degree in Materials Science, or equivalent (or be in the process of completing a PhD degree) with focus on polymer science and technology. You are expected to have experience with polymer processing and the thermo-mechanical characterization of polymers, especially polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene). Previous experience with (1) compounding (extrusion) of polymers, and (2) the electrical properties of polyolefins is a merit. A promising early achievements track record in terms of scientific publications is expected.

You must be highly proficient within the field of polymer science and technology. Further, you should have experience with relevant characterization tools. Important techniques include thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), rheological and mechanical measurements (DMTA, tensile testing, rheometry) but also X-ray diffraction (WAXS, SAXS), microscopy techniques (SEM, optical microscopy) and FTIR. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have excellent collaboration skills. A very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required.

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 20200482 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, including complete list of publications
• 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: 23st of November 2020.
Interviews will be conducted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Therefore, please submit your application prior to the application deadline.

For questions, please contact:
Professor Christian Müller, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
christian.muller@chalmers.se
+46317722790

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!