Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) within polymer synthesis focused on anion exchange membranes

Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) within polymer synthesis focused on anion exchange membranes

The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University is looking for a postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in synthesizing monomers and polymers focused on anion exchange membranes. The fellowship is full-time for two years with access from 1 August 2025 or by agreement.  Last day to apply is 31 March, 2025.   

Departmental specific information 

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology and has about 200 employees, of which about 40 are research students and a strong and expanding research. Three major research areas, Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Industrial Chemistry bring together the Department's research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, the Chemical-Biological Center at Umeå University.

Project description  

The project focuses on the design and synthesis of new monomers and polymers through various polymerization techniques (e.g., superacid-catalyzed polymerization) and the comprehensive characterization of polymer structures using a range of analytical methods. Additionally, the project aims to investigate the potential applications of these materials within the energy sector. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment, contributing to the conceptualization, design, and execution of independent research projects while also engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations with other team members. The aim of this project is to advance the fundamental understanding of anion exchange membranes and develop next-generation materials with improved properties for energy storage applications.

The scholarship is for two years and is funded by the Kempe Foundation. The scholarship amount is 360 000 SEK per year and is tax-free.

Qualifications  

To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.

Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Doctoral degree should be within the field of polymer chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent.

Additional requirements are:

• Strong background in polymer chemistry and anion exchange membranes.
• Experience in characterizing the electrochemical properties and performance of prepared membranes.
• Familiarity with various polymerization methods such as super acid catalyzed polymerization.
• Broad understanding of polymer applications, especially in areas such as batteries and fuel cells

Meriting criteria are:

A documented good ability to conduct research and present it in writing in the form of scientific publications in expert-reviewed journals. A desire to conduct research in a multidisciplinary project and in an environment that promotes collaboration between people with different skills. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated. It is important that you are creative and have the ability and interest to co-operate with other team members. It is required that you have excellent oral and written knowledge of English.

Application  

The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline 31 March 2025.

Further information 

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Naser Tavajohi (naser.tavajohi@umu.se) or Associate Professor André Ohlin (andre.ohlin@umu.se).

We look forward to receiving your application!