Postdoctoral position 2 years - Ionic Liquids & Deep Eutectics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Chemical Biological Centre (KBC, www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/) at Umeå University is a creative and interactive environment, comprising six departments and two research units, with direct access to excellent instrumentation and facilities. The Department of Chemistry has about 200 employees and the department carries out research and education and, at the same time, interacts with the surrounding society. For more information, see www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry/.

The Department of Chemistry is now offering a two-year post-doctoral position within a project aiming at developing further the concept of ionic liquids and deep eutectics. The last application date is December 13, 2019.

Project description and working tasks
The project encompasses development, synthesis and characterization of ionic liquids and deep eutectics. The job tasks include development, synthesis and characterization of deep eutectic and ionic liquid systems for the capture and valorization of carbon dioxide and its transformation to chemicals. The fractions thus obtained can be further transformed to platform chemicals or composite materials. Another target application is the development of hollow ionic-eutectic liquids. Hereby one also needs to carry out studies with the help of flow reactors with the aim to produce various chemical streams of interest with regard to sustainable economy. Consequently, the research involves elements such as rational experimental design, MS-analysis, identification of reaction products and quantification and optimization to yield tomorrow’s chemicals, fuels and materials. The project also aims to contribute to the understanding of mechanisms behind the various chemical transformations of carbon dioxide.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with the researchers from Wallenberg Wood Science Center (www.wwsc.se), the Bio4Energy consortium (www.bio4energy.se/) and the Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry and Reaction Engineering (www.abo.fi/institution/tekniskkemi). In addition, we aim at collaborating with other research groups within the domain of chemical engineering, catalysis and reaction engineering, in Sweden and elsewhere. All necessary equipment infrastructure for fractionation, synthesis, characterization and analysis are available at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University or at the collaborating universities like Åbo Akademi University in Finland. Within the project we interact with researchers and with other research projects within Technical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry (www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry/research/technical-chemistry/). Our research is also strongly integrated with the research carried out by the industry, like the RISE Processum Initiative in Örnsköldsvik (www.processum.se).

The employment is full-time and limited to two years. Starting date at a date decided in agreement between the two parties.

Qualifications
The successful candidate must hold a PhD degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Forest Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent subject. To be eligible, the degree must have been completed a maximum of three years before the closing date of the application, unless certain circumstances exist.

A solid background and experience of the physical, chemical and materials science techniques that are relevant upon synthesis and application of ionic liquids and deep eutectics is a requirement. Documented practical skills encompassing the synthesis and characterization of ionic liquids as well as application studies and characterization of ionic liquids, deep eutectics and porous liquids is necessary. Practical knowledge in terms of operating flow-through reactors operating under pressure and knowledge of the relevant analysis methods (e.g. NMR, GC-MS, HPLC, carbohydrate analysis) is required. Very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, as well as good co-operation and initiative skills are required.

Documented experience from research concerning development and use of carbon catalysts in the spirit of ‘green chemistry’ is a merit. You should be strongly motivated and interested in learning and developing new methods and capable of operating in an international environment. International experience is therefore a merit.

Application
A complete application should include:

• a cover letter summarizing your qualifications, research interests and motives for applying (max 4 pages),
• a Curriculum Vitae with a publication list,
• copies of your PhD thesis and relevant publications,
• copies of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree and course certificates,
• names and contact details of 2 to 3 reference persons,
• other documents you wish to claim.

The application must be written in Swedish or English and must be submitted via our e-recruitment system. Last application date is December 13, 2019.

For further information, please contact Prof. Jyri-Pekka Mikkola, +46-(0)90-786 5000, jyri-pekka.mikkola@chem.umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!