Postdoctoral position in Organic Electronics

Information about the research project
Imagine a world, in which countless embedded microelectronic components continuously monitor our health and allow us to seamlessly interact with our digital environment. One particularly promising platform for the realisation of this concept is based on wearable electronic textiles. In order for this technology to become truly pervasive, a myriad of devices will have to operate autonomously over an extended period of time without the need for additional maintenance, repair or battery replacement. The goal of our research is to realise textile-based thermoelectric generators, based on plastic semiconductors, that without additional cost can power built-in electronics by harvesting one of the most ubiquitous energy sources available to us: our body heat.

The particular focus of your project will be to develop/synthesise polymer semiconductors that display both excellent thermoelectric as well as mechanical properties. In addition, you will work on the design, construction and evaluation of flexible thermoelectric generators and their use in a practical setting.

Information about the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering promotes research and education for sustainable development, for improved health and quality of life.  The department is organised into one administrative unit and four research divisions: (1) Chemistry and Biochemistry, (2) Applied Chemistry, (3) Materials and Energy, and (4) Chemical Engineering. We have approximately 300 employees and are situated at campus Johanneberg.

Our department is characterised by the desire to inspire world-leading research in an environment that encourages personal development and creation of new knowledge.

Information about the research group
The Müller Research Group focuses on processing and characterisation of polymer-based materials. Our research is located at the interface of materials/polymer science and organic electronics. We dedicate our efforts to future renewable energy technologies such as plastic solar cells and thermoelectrics as well as insulation materials for power cables. All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, the group consists of 1 Associate Professor, 6 PhD students and 2 Postdocs.

For more information visit our homepage at:
http://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/Christian-Müller.aspx

Major responsibilities
The focus of your project is on the development/synthesis of new polymer semiconductor-based materials that can be used to convert waste heat into electricity.

Key aspects of your work will include:
- synthesis of polymer semiconductors
- processing of polymer semiconductor-based materials
- chemical and structural characterisation (FTIR, UV-vis, NMR, DSC/TGA, DMA, AFM, SEM, TEM, etc.)
- mechanical testing
- thermal and electrical characterisation
- design, construction and evaluation of thermoelectric generators and their use in a practical setting

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 1+1 years full-time research.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent with a focus on polymer science and processing and/or organic electronics. The degree should generally not be older than three years. A substantial early track record in terms of e.g. peer-reviewed publications is of merit. 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.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20150281 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: August 24, 2015

For questions, please contact:
Christian Müller,
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering;
christian.muller@chalmers.se;
+46 31 772 34 06

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