Information about the research/the project/the division

Lignocellulosic biomass is a rich source of functionalized molecules that will provide our main supply of carbon atoms for producing new materials and bulk chemicals in the future. However, we are as yet far from a bio-based economy and drastic measures are needed for a transition from our fossil fuel dependence to a more sustainable society. A key challenge is that building blocks acquired from fossil sources have a different chemical composition compared to biomass-derived molecules, and current production methods will need to adapt rapidly to these changes.

The focus of this PhD project is to develop new methods for assembling molecules obtained from biomass into useful synthetic building blocks that can be applied in various contexts such as the formation of pharmaceuticals, polymers, additives etc. The PhD student will employ organic synthesis, enzymatic reactions and organometallic chemistry for this purpose. The project is a collaboration between research groups at Chalmers and the University of Bath, UK, and is funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Major responsibilities

The focus of this PhD project is to develop new methods for assembling small molecules derived from biomass, employing enzymatic reactions and metal-mediated organic synthesis.

Key parts of the work will involve:

* Organic synthesis

* Organometallic chemistry

* Enzymatic reactions

* Characterization of organic compounds

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level and performing other duties.

Position summary

Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or an equivalent education, corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits. Hands on experience of organic synthesis, organometallic chemistry or enzymatic reactions is beneficial but not mandatory.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: May 6 2016

For questions, please contact:

Prof Nina Kann, kann (at) chalmers.se, +46 31 772 3070

 *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces.

Timmar per vecka: Heltid/ Ej specificerat

Arbetsgivare Namn: Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB

Arbetsgivare adress: Chalmers tekniska högskola AB 41296 Göteborg

Form av kontakt:
titel : telefon 1: () telefon 2: () mobil: e-post:

Jobb kort beskrivning: University and higher education teachers

Land: Sweden

Område: Västra Götalands län

Avtalstid: Permanent

Typ av kontrakt: Full time

Källa till jobberbjudande: Public Employment Service of Sweden(AMS)

Hur man ansöker: Other - see free text