Postdoc scholarship: Ultrahigh spatial resolution infrared microscopy for studies of wood and model cellulose surfaces
KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.
The workplace
Project description
The postdoctoral position is a 1-year position at the department of Chemistry at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. The aim of the study is to study the distribution of constituents in plant cell walls, such as cellulose and lignin, on the nano level. To facilitate our studies, model surfaces of for example cellulose will also be examined. To reach our aim we will use a novel infrared microscopy technique (nano FTIR microscopy) with a unique ability to provide chemical information with a spatial resolution of less than 20 nm. The studies will thus provide us with a picture of the distribution of the constituents in plant cell walls being orders of magnitude better than what is possible to obtain with conventional methods and will thus significantly improve our fundamental understanding about how plant cell walls are constructed.
The main task will be to use nano infrared microscopy for the studies mentioned above as well as being partly responsible for the instrument.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. degree in chemistry, physics or related field or a foreign degree considered to be equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. The degree must have been obtained less than three years before the application due date.
- Good English communication skills.
- Experience of studies related to plant cell walls, cellulose, vibrational spectroscopy (for example IR or Raman) or atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an advantage.
- Experience of nano infrared microscopy (preferably sSNOM) is an advantage.
Application
Apply to this scholarship by e-mail to skowron@kth.se . You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than 2021-02-07. Mark your application with reference number C-2021-0106
The application must include the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter (detailing both your previous scientific work experience and your interest in this position)
- Research statement (max 2 pages)
- Contact information for three references
Please observe that you apply for a scholarship, not an employment.
About the position/positions
Period: 2021-2022, the exact period of time to be discussed
Extent: Full-time for 1 year
Amount of scholarship: 28000 SEK/month
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Contact
Magnus Johnson
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