Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry
Stockholm University
Sweden

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry. Closing date: 12 January 2025.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Research activities in the area of Materials Chemistry focus on developing and understanding advanced routes for synthesis, processing, production, as well as the use of structural- and functional materials in applications towards a healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly society. More information can be found at: www.mmk.su.se.

Starting January 2025 the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry will merge in to the Department of Chemistry. It will then be one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University with about 200 employees.

Project description
Project title: Lignin-based hybrid living materials (LignoLife).

We are offering a Postdoctoral Fellow position within the LignoLife project, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through the Wallenberg Academy Fellows program. This project focuses on developing innovative materials by combining living microbial cells with lignin. You will be responsible for developing methodologies and conducting microbial cultivations to identify suitable microbial strains for various applications. As part of a collaborative team, you will also engage with materials chemistry and explore the practical applications of these hybrid living materials.

Main responsibilities
Scientific research and education. The practical work involves microbiological research aimed at identifying suitable microorganisms that tolerate lignin and form new functional hybrid materials. It is of interest to explore their origin from the synergistic combination of lignin and living cells, which leads to useful properties and chemical transformations with broad applications in the fields of environment, health and energy.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills in biotechnology, applied microbiology, or related fields, with a strong interest in materials chemistry. The ideal applicant is equipped with a problem-solving “can-do” mindset combined with a strong track-record of original research at the crossroads of microbiology and materials chemistry.

A strong skillset in biotechnology, especially from cultivation of filamentous fungi along with experience from colloid science is considered an asset. In addition, demonstrated record of accomplishment in applied chemistry and broad knowledge of related processing and characterization methods are considered as merits for the applicant. Experience from materials characterization is an additional asset. You should have an excellent command of English, both orally and in writing

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2025-03-01 or as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Mika Sipponen, mika.sipponen@mmk.su.se. For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.