Researcher in Bio-based Materials

Department of Molecular Sciences Researcher in design, synthesis and characterization of hybrid materials for recovery of critical elements We are looking for you to contribute to the development of knowledge about how to create, manufacture and characterize functional adsorbents for separation and recovery of critical elements. The Inorganic and Physical Chemistry group works on developing knowledge about environmental technologies, which are based on encapsulation or chemical coupling of organic functional molecules to inorganic or biopolymer matrices. We conduct this research in close collaboration with specialists in engineering physics who work with materials for permanent magnets and alkali ion batteries. An important part of our work is teaching at the basic and advanced level in the fields of general chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Teaching at the basic level is conducted in Swedish. About the job You will work on the development of advanced synthesis techniques for the production of biopolymer-based hybrid materials with tailored physical and chemical properties, as well as the evaluation of the produced materials as adsorbents for separation and recovery of critical metals, particularly rare earth elements (REE) and heavy transition metals (LTM). Knowledge and skills in advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are crucial for success in this assignment. You will actively work with the characterization of various materials using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and various spectroscopic methods such as luminescence, FTIR, UV-Vis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). You are expected to independently summarize your results and prepare research papers for publication in high-ranking scientific journals. Teaching, especially at the basic level in both theoretical and practical components, is part of the job. Your background You will work on the development of advanced synthesis techniques for the production of biopolymer-based hybrid materials with tailored physical and chemical properties, as well as the evaluation of the produced materials as adsorbents for separation and recovery of critical metals, particularly rare earth elements (REE) and heavy transition metals (LTM). Knowledge and skills in advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are crucial for success in this assignment. You will actively work with the characterization of various materials using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and various spectroscopic methods such as luminescence, FTIR, UV-Vis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). You are expected to independently summarize your results and prepare research papers for publication in high-ranking scientific journals. Teaching, especially at the basic level in both theoretical and practical components, is part of the job. You should: Have a PhD in inorganic, materials or environmental chemistry Have documented ability to synthesize complex hybrid materials based on biopolymer matrices, customized organic ligands, and good documented experience in separation and recovery of critical elements. Have documented ability to perform phase identification and analysis using environmental scanning electron microscopy, XRD, AFM and luminescence spectroscopy. Have good experience with basic level teaching Have good ability to express yourself in both Swedish and English About us The Department of Molecular Sciences currently consists of approximately 100 employees and together with three other departments forms an inspiring research environment at BioCentrum on Ultuna Campus, Uppsala. The department conducts basic and applied research, teaching and development work in several interconnected areas including inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular structural biology, biotechnology, natural products chemistry, microbiology and food science. The department has advanced infrastructure for chemical studies, including equipment for advanced inorganic and organometallic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy where the department participates in the national SwedNMR initiative, advanced mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction for structure determination of single crystals and powders, gas and liquid chromatography equipment, etc. The department conducts interdisciplinary research collaborations with other departments at SLU, nationally and internationally in studies of materials and processes for agricultural and environmental applications. Read more about our activities and infrastructure here https://www.slu.se/institutioner/molekylara-vetenskaper/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Placement: Ultuna, Uppsala Employment type: Fixed-term employment 12 months Extent: 100% Start date: September 2026. Application: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below no later than 2026-08-26. Trade union contact persons: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in developing sustainable life, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between people, animals and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and education sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over 4.5 billion kronor. The university is investing in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for science, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.

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