Postdoctoral researcher

About Malmö University
Malmö University is an innovative, urban and international institute of higher education, located in the center of Malmö. We have around 1,800 employees and 24,000 students. Malmö University is organized into five faculties: Faculty of Health and Society, Culture and Society, Education and Society, Faculty of Odontology and Technology and Society

The Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, offers a programme leading to a professional qualification, Biomedical Scientist (first cycle, 180 credits), and a Masters' programme, Biomedical Surface Science (second cycle, 120 credits), as well as first and second cycle freestanding courses. The Department negotiates the multifaceted intersection between biology, chemistry, medicine, physics, and technology and the interdisciplinary approach to research and education aims to further the theoretical and practical understanding of the complex subject matter. Drawing on the balance between pure and applied research, the Department has been successful in attracting funding from regional, national, and international research funding bodies. 

The research at the faculty is also linked to the research center Biofilms - Research Center for Biointerfaces, which combines biomedical science with clinical and translational research in medical, dental, food and environmental application areas in close collaboration with regional industry. 

About the position
The study of soft materials confined between surfaces is central to the understanding of interactions that lead to adhesion, lubrication and colloidal stability. Only recently, scattering techniques, particularly neutron reflectometry, have permitted structural studies of soft surface layers under mechanical confinement. Specifically, this has been possible by means of a setup/cell where a flexible membrane/polymer film is inflated against a solid surface coated with the soft material to be investigated (de Vos, W.M., et al., Revi. Sci. Instrum., 2012. 83:113903). Recently, we have implemented the possibility to apply shear on this setup. For this approach to work, it is critical that the side of the membrane that faces the hard surface has a very low (<1nm) roughness. This is problematic since commercial membranes/plastics are typically roughened to improve their handling. At present, we are using poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films which are characterized by a yield strength of ca. 110 MPa. With this membrane, we are able to reach mechanical confinement in our setup for an applied pressure of ca. 100 kPa. However, most soft/biological systems are fully compressed when subjected to these mechanical pressures. In this context, the successful implementation of the developed setup relies on using highly planar membranes/polymer films but of significantly higher yield strength so that mechanical confinement could be reached at applied pressures of ca. 1 kPa.

The specific scientific objectives are to:


• Synthesis of highly planar and elastic (high yield strength).
• Synthesis of polymer brushes as model systems for testing the mechanical confinement setup.

Specific requirements for this position:  
Candidates must hold a PhD in organic chemistry or a similar field. Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) are necessary.

The following would be of benefit for the position:
The ideal candidate has experience with organic synthesis and analytical and polymer chemistry.

In addition to formal competence, University employees must possess the personal capacities necessary to perform the duties of the position well and to represent the University in the best possible way. The successful candidate should have the ability to work in a team and collaborate with people in complementary disciplines.

Assessment criteria


• The quality and focus of the doctoral thesis and scientific publications.
• Research activities within fields relevant to the appointment in question.
• Documented ability to independently conduct research of a sufficient standard.
• Reflective presentation of both past research activities and suitability for the present position.

Further information
For more information contact: Javier Sotres, +46 (0)703822786, javier.sotres@mau.se

For general questions regarding employment at Malmö university, contact HR-specialist Linda-Lo Johansson +46 (0)40 6657840, linda-lo.johansson@mau.se

In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the advertisement, and that it is provided to the University no later than July 12th, 2020.

The educational qualifications may be documented with guidance from Qualifications portfolio for lecturers/researchers at Malmö University. See also Appointment Rules at Malmö University Books and any other documents, such as publications, that cannot be sent electronically should be sent in triplicate in an envelope marked with reference number REK 2020/178 and posted to the HR Department, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmö. If the documents weigh more than 2 kg, they should be sent to the delivery address: HR Department, Malmö University, Matrosgatan 1, 211 18 Malmö, marked with reference number REK 2020/178.

Miscellaneous
One-year position (full-time), starting as soon as possible and no later than September 1st, 2020.

Malmö University is a workplace and higher education institution that is characterised by an open and inclusive approach, where gender equality and equal terms add value to our activities. Malmö University applies individual salary setting.

Union representatives
SACO-S: Ann-Mari Campbell, ann-mari.campbell@mau.se

Lärarförbundet: Carl-Erik Blomberg, carl-erik.blomberg@mau.se

ST/OFR: Aje Carlbom aje.carlbom@mau.se

We are looking forward to receive your application!