Assistant Professor in Polymer Technology with a focus on Polymer Chemistry Full-time

Assistant Professor in Polymer Technology with a Focus on Polymer Chemistry

Lund University, LTH,

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Department of Chemistry at Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, invites applications for a position as Assistant Professor in Polymer technology with focus on polymer chemistry. Placed at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry, the recruited Assistant Professor will be supported by funding of a PhD student.

The Department of Chemistry conducts research across all core areas of chemistry with a broad theme of research in support of a sustainable society. Focus areas include the environment, renewable resources, energy and health. Of special relevance are molecular design and synthesis, and understanding of the interplay between structure and properties, chemical and physical processes, and application performance. Advanced characterization of material properties by, e.g., electron microscopy and X-ray characterization (in particular at the synchrotron MAX IV) is also a focal area of the Department.

Current research within polymer technology at CAS is mainly directed towards polymers for energy and the environment, including polymeric materials for energy storage and conversion, and sustainable biobased polymers. We synthesize and characterize new monomers, polymer structures, and materials to establish fundamental structure-property relationships relevant for 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 competence in polymer chemistry. In this context, the successful candidate may develop new synthetic pathways to meet demanding polymer properties for specific application areas. The choice of research approach, application area, etc., will be determined by the research interests of the candidate. Combinations of experimental techniques and theory are most welcome. The position therefore offers an excellent opportunity to develop an independent research programme at the interface of polymer chemistry, material science and sustainability, supported by a strong research environment and dedicated PhD-student funding.

Subject: Polymer Technology with a focus on Polymer Chemistry.

Deep knowledge in polymer technology and polymer chemistry is crucial for the development, production, application and recyclability of the next generation of efficient and environmentally benign polymeric materials. Polymer technology is an interdisciplinary subject including the chemistry and physics of polymers, polymers from renewable resources, processing and use of polymer materials, and degradation and environmental aspects of polymer materials. Polymer chemistry comprises polymerisations and chemical modifications of polymers, combined with polymer characterisation to determine fundamental structure-property relationships.

Work duties include:

• Research within the subject area.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements for employment as an assistant professor are fulfilled by someone who has been awarded a doctorate or has the corresponding research competence. Primary consideration should be given to someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent competence within seven years of the deadline for application for employment as an assistant professor. However, someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds.

Assessment criteria for appointment to assistant professor include:

• A good ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
• Teaching ability.

Additional requirements include:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Extensive documented experience within polymer chemistry, including the synthesis and characterization of structure and fundamental properties of polymers.
• Experience of postdoctoral research in a research environment other than the university at which the applicant obtained their PhD degree
• A submitted research plan (1500-2000 words) that can form the basis for external funding
• Collaborative skills, initiative and the ability to solve work tasks independently, as well as a demonstrated interest in leadership.

Other qualifications include:

• Documented ability to acquire competitive external research funding.

As part of the application, the applicant is to submit a research plan (1500-2000 words) clearly describing the research that will be conducted during the employment within the topic of Polymer Chemistry. The plan should also describe how the applicant's research could complement and reinforce research at the Department of Chemistry. The quality of the research plan shall be given substantial weight in the selection of candidates.

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 6 years. The employment is regulated in accordance with Chapter 4 Section 12a§ HEA. The purpose of the appointment is for the teacher to be given the opportunity to develop research autonomy and acquire the scholarly and teaching qualifications required for eligibility for appointment as a senior lecturer.

During the period of employment, an assistant professor can apply for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer if he or she has the required qualifications listed below, and is deemed suitable. An assistant professor can only apply for promotion once.

Qualification requirements for appointment to senior lecturer include:

• A PhD or corresponding research competence or professional expertise considered important with regard to the subject matter of the post and the work duties it will involve.
• Demonstrated teaching expertise.
• Completed five weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning, or acquired equivalent knowledge by other means.

Assessment criteria for appointment to senior lecturer include:

• A good national and international standing as a researcher. The requirement for international experience shall be assessed with consideration to the character and traditions of the subject.
• Good teaching ability, including a good ability to conduct, develop and lead teaching and other educational activities on different levels and using a variety of teaching methods.
• An ability to supervise doctoral students to achieve a PhD.
• An ability to collaborate with wider society and communicate his or her activities.
• A general ability to lead and develop activities.

Additional requirements for appointment to senior lecturer include:

• Demonstrated scientific independence, shown among other things by several publications published without their previous supervisors or mentors, where the applicant has clearly had a leading (PI) role.
• Good ability to collaborate, independence and drive.
• Sufficient knowledge of Swedish to carry out administrative and educational tasks that require an understanding of Swedish.
• Progression in research and teaching expertise.
• Ability to actively, independently, and successfully seek external funding as main applicant. This means that the applicant has received multi-year research grants from large national or international funders such as ERC, Wallenberg Foundations, Swedish Research Council, Formas, Swedish Energy Agency, etc. If the applicant has not received such funding as main applicant, they must be able to show very good evaluations from the application process.