A postdoctoral fellowship in molecular dynamics studies of water purification and ion diffusion in cellulose/polymer composites is available at Linköping University, Sweden. The position is based at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE), http://www.liu.se/loe,  belonging to the Department of Science and Technology, at the university’s Norrköping Campus. The LOE is renowned for its world-leading research on electronic devices based on organic electroactive materials. Currently, the research staff of the Laboratory includes about 100 researchers. A postdoctoral fellow will join a Theory and Modelling group which currently consists of 10 members (senior and junior scientists and PhD students).

Background and duties:

The water contamination by heavy metals such as cadmium, cobalt, lead, arsenic, mercury, and others represents one of the most important and urgent environmental problem of our planet. Currently, there is a need to develop a cost-effective technology of water detoxification that would be affordable for developing countries as well as for the individual-level or rural/small communities in developed countries. The main goal of the present project is to investigate, in tandem with the experiment, the fundamental properties of the composite cellulose-polymer paper as an adsorbing agent of toxic heavy atoms and ions, as well as to develop technology to demonstrate a cellulose-polymer prototype device for water detoxification. The material morphology and structure will be studied focussing on the aspects of water infiltration and diffusion as well as on the diffusion of heavy atoms and ions in this material. Theoretical simulations and modelling will be performed to investigate the thermodynamic, kinetic, and electrochemical aspects of the adsorption processes. The theoretical simulation will be performed in a tight collaboration with the experimental groups in our Laboratory where the theoretical modelling will guide the material and device design for better and enhanced performance. Reciprocally, the input from the experiment will provide the essential motivation for the theory. Computational methods will primarily include molecular dynamics simulations as well as the DFT simulations. The theoretical studies will be performed in the Theory and Modelling group under supervision of Prof. Igor Zozoulenko and Assoc. Prof. Mathieu Linares.

Qualifications and requirements to applicants:

• The applicant must have or be about to receive a doctoral degree in a subject relevant to the research project (e.g. material science, chemistry, physics, etc.) and needs to be passionate about research. Problem solving ability and creativity, as well as the ability to work independently are essential. Another prerequisite is experience with molecular dynamics simulations. Experience with DFT calculations is a bonus. Good skills in programming/scripting (Python or C++) is highly desirable.
• scholarship may be granted only to non-Swedish citizens with a PhD or equivalent acquired in another country than Sweden. The applicant could not have been employed by Linköping university previously.

Starting date 
Fall/winter 2019.

Appointment and Conditions:

• Appointment is initially for one year with a possibility of an extension for the second year depending on a mutual agreement. The scholarship amounts to SEK25000:-/month (tax-free) (~€2500/month). Economy class travel to/from Sweden will be covered. Funding can be available to participate in conferences. More details about the fellowship can be found at https://liu.se/en/article/open-positions-in-organic-electronics-at-loe  

Application procedure:

The following documents (in pdf-format) must be submitted when applying for a scholarship

• Cover letter (1- 2 pages describing your background and your interest in this position)
• Curriculum vitae, max 2 pages, including at least two references that we can contact
• List of publications
• Statement of Research Interests, max 2 pages
• Copy of PhD diploma

The application should be sent electronically to Prof. Igor Zozoulenko [email protected] and Assoc. Prof. Mathieu Linares [email protected] and a copy to [email protected]. Mark your application with reference number Dnr. ITN-2019-00166 in the e-mail subject field.

The review of applicants will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. A formal deadline for application is 23 June 2019.

Contact:

Prof. Igor Zozoulenko, [email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Mathieu Linares [email protected]

HR-partners [email protected]