Postdoctoral position on synthesis of surfactants and formulation work

This is about our lives and natural resources, about energy, materials recycling and materials development. With our focus on sustainable development we work with research and education of the highest quality for smarter materials and smarter processes, for improved health and a better environment.

We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research divisions and one administrative unit. We are situated at campus Johanneberg.

Our department is characterized by inspiring world-leading research, in an environment of personal development and creation of new knowledge.



Information about the division
The Division of Applied Chemistry comprises about 90 researchers, including PhD students, who work on surface chemistry, polymers and catalysis. There are four sub-units: Polymer Technology, Biopolymer Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology and Applied Surface Chemistry. The position announced is placed in the Applied Surface Chemistry group.

The research carried out at Applied Surface Chemistry focuses on energy, materials design, nanotechnology, surfactant science and catalysis. In recent years, activities related to exploit colloids/polymer interactions, in collaboration with industry, have gained momentum with a focus on materials derived from renewable resources.

This position is supported by the EU Horizon 2020 project NANORESTART, starting in June 2015. NANORESTART has the ambition to develop solutions for art preservation for future generations.

About NANORESTART:
Currently there is a lack of methodologies for the conservation of modern and contemporary artworks, many of which will not be accessible in very short time due to fast degradation processes. The challenge of NANORESTART (NANOmaterials for the REStoration of works of ART) will be to address this issue within a new framework with respect to the state of the art of conservation science. NANORESTART is devoted to the development of nanomaterials to ensure long term protection and security of modern/contemporary cultural heritage, taking into account environmental and human risks, feasibility and materials costs. The new tools and materials developed will represent a breakthrough in cultural heritage and conservation science and will focus, among others tools, on the strengthening and protection of surfaces by using nanotechnologies and supramolecular systems/assemblies. Within the project the industrial scalability of the developed materials will be demonstrated. NANORESTART gathers centres of excellence in the field of synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, world leading chemical Industries and SMEs operating in R&D, and International and European centres for conservation, education and museums. Such centres will assess the new materials on modern/contemporary artefacts in urgent need of conservation, and disseminate the knowledge and the new nanomaterials among conservators on a worldwide perspective.  

Major responsibilities
The main aim of this postdoctoral project is to ensure the development of new tools for the preservation of works of art. As a post-doc, you will be in charge of the experimental development of innovative formulations based on novel and easily degradable surfactants. The postdoctoral fellow will first work at Chalmers University of Technology and later move on to the University of Florence. He/she will maintain contact with both universities during the entire project time of 18 months. There will also be contacts with industries and with other academic partners of NANORESTART. The results of the work will be disseminated in scientific journals.

The research that will be carried out in this project aims at developing innovative cleaning formulations suitable for use on works of art. The formulations will be based on novel, easily degradable surfactants and the development of synthesis routes for such surfactants is an important part of the postdoctoral project. 

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum 18 months.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a PhD degree in surface and colloid chemistry, physical chemistry or soft matter physics. Experience of surfactants and in particular of synthesis of surfactants is a valuable asset. Skills in oral and written English are mandatory.

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 20150208 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: June 25, 2015

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Romain Bordes
bordes@chalmers.se
+46 31 772 29 76

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