Assistant Professor in polymer technology

About the Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at Lund University, Lunds tekniska högskola, is seeking an Assistant Professor in polymer technology with a focus on polymer chemistry. The recruited Assistant Professor will be based at the Center for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry and will receive funding for a doctoral student.

The Department of Chemistry conducts research in all core areas of chemistry with an overarching theme aimed at supporting the development of a sustainable society. Focus areas include environment, renewable resources, energy, and health. Particularly relevant are molecular design and synthesis, as well as understanding the interplay between structure and properties, chemical and physical processes, and function in applications. Advanced characterization of material properties through, for example, electron microscopy and X-ray characterization (especially at the synchrotron facility MAX IV) is also a focus area at the department.

Current research in polymer technology at CAS is mainly focused on polymers for energy and the environment, including polymeric materials for energy storage and energy conversion, as well as sustainable bio-based polymers. We synthesize and characterize new monomers, polymer structures, and materials to establish fundamental relationships between structure and properties relevant to specific application areas. In our work, we emphasize a creative environment characterized by scientific excellence, diversity, generosity, and freedom.

We are now expanding and need to further strengthen our capacity and expertise in polymer chemistry. In this context, the successful candidate can develop new synthesis pathways to achieve demanding polymer properties within specific application areas. The choice of research approach, application area, etc., will be determined by the candidate's research interests. Combinations of experimental techniques and theory are particularly welcome.

Subject

Polymer technology with a focus on polymer chemistry.

Special subject description

In-depth knowledge of polymer technology and polymer chemistry is crucial for the development, production, use, and recyclability of next-generation efficient and environmentally friendly polymeric materials. Polymer technology is an interdisciplinary subject that encompasses the chemistry and physics of polymers, polymers from renewable resources, processing and use of polymer materials, as well as degradation and environmental aspects of polymer materials. Polymer chemistry encompasses polymerizations and chemical modifications of polymers in combination with polymer characterization to establish fundamental relationships between structure and properties.

Duties

Employment as an Assistant Professor is a qualifying position intended to allow the holder to develop their independence as a researcher and educator. The duties primarily include research and teaching. Within the framework of the employment, the opportunity for five weeks of higher education pedagogical training will be provided.

The duties include:

Research within the subject area. Teaching at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels. Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students. Active work in seeking external research funding. Collaboration with industry and the surrounding society. Administration related to the above duties.

Qualifications

Those qualified to be employed as an Assistant Professor are those who have obtained a doctoral degree or achieved equivalent scientific competence.

Primarily, those who have obtained a doctoral degree or achieved equivalent competence at most seven years prior to the end of the application period should be considered. However, those who obtained a doctoral degree or achieved equivalent competence earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, or other similar circumstances.

Assessment criteria

When employing an Assistant Professor, the following shall constitute the basis for assessment of qualifications:

Good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research. Pedagogical ability.

Other requirements

Very good knowledge of English, both oral and written. Extensive documented experience in polymer chemistry, including synthesis as well as characterization of polymer structure and fundamental properties. Experience of postdoctoral research in a research environment at a university other than the one where the applicant obtained their doctoral degree. A submitted research plan (1500–2000 words) that can serve as a basis for external funding. Good collaborative skills, initiative, ability to solve tasks independently, and demonstrated interest in leadership.

Other merits

Documented ability to obtain external research funding through competition

As part of the application, the applicant must submit a research plan (1,500–2,000 words) that clearly describes the research to be conducted during the employment within the subject of polymer chemistry. The quality of the research plan will be given great weight in the selection of candidates.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen ongoing research, undergraduate education, and innovation within the department, as well as contribute to its future development.

About the employment

The employment is fixed-term for 6 years and is a full-time position. The employment is limited in time according to 4 kap 12a § HF. The purpose of the employment is to provide the teacher with the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and to qualify both scientifically and pedagogically to meet the requirements for eligibility for an employment as Professor.

Instructions for application

The application must be written in English. Report your merits according to LTH's academic portfolio, see the link below. Upload as PDF files in the recruitment system. Read more here: http://www.lth.se/jobb/sokalararanstallning/.