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Stockholm University

Postdoctoral Fellow in Advanced Solid-State NMR Experimentation on Borosilicate

Stockholm University, Saco, Maine, us, 04072


Postdoctoral Fellow in Advanced Solid-State NMR Experimentation on Borosilicate Glasses

The Department of Materials- and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) with about 140 employees is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University (SU). The extensive research activities of MMK encompass both the development and characterization of large groups of (functional) materials, such as soft matter and polymers, biomaterials, self-assembled and porous materials, for primarily applications in Materials Science and Sustainable/Green Chemistry. The experimental characterisation techniques involve X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, NMR and other spectroscopic techniques, along with modelling by computer simulations. Environmental aspects are central for most research activities.Despite that borosilicate glasses (BS) are exploited in numerous applications from everyday products to nuclear waste encapsulation and biomedical implants, the understanding of their sub-nanometer structure remains limited. In particular, some “exotic” structural motifs, such as directly interlinked BO 4

groups (B [4] -O-B [4]

linkages) and non-bridging O (NBO) species at BO 4

groups (B [4] -NBO bonds) are either considered absent or remains largely ignored in current BS glass-structure models. Yet, we have recently shown that B [4] -O-B [4]

linkages are both inherent and abundant structural motifs in BS glasses. The present postdoctoral project is an extension of our recent research on structure and properties of BS glasses, where magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy will be utilized for unravelling the borosilicate glass structure across a sub-nanometer scale. Those results will then be analysed in conjunction with measured mechanical and elastic properties of the glasses to establish composition-structure-property relationships. One part of the project also involves the development of new NMR experimental techniques for an improved probing of

11 B- 17 O connectivities in borate-based glasses.Main responsibilitiesThe main responsibilities of the postdoc concern structural studies by both routine and advanced 1D/2D MAS NMR experiments, but to (a lesser) extent also glass synthesis and physical-property measurements of the glasses towards establishing composition-structure-property relationships. The postdoc will assume the main responsibility for planning, executing, and disseminating the research orally as well as in writing (scientific papers).Qualification requirementsPostdoctoral 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 criteriaThe 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. The applicant should have a Ph.D degree in Chemistry (preferred) or Physics (or equivalent), along with a well-documented research experience in the field of 1D/2D MAS NMR experimentation on inorganic materials, encompassing advanced NMR experimentation.The ideal candidate is a self-motivated and creative person with a passion for solving challenging scientific problems. The selection will primarily be based on scientific excellence and well-documented experience of previous research in advanced solid-state NMR experimentation on inorganic materials. Besides those requirements, previous research experience with NMR on glasses (or other structurally disordered materials) is considered particularly advantageous. The applicant should have a strong knowledge in English, both orally and in writing, and an ability to interact and collaborate with colleagues.Terms of employmentThe 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 as soon as possible or as per agreement.Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.ContactFurther information about the position can be obtained from the project leader, Prof. Mattias Edén, telephone: +46 8 16 23 75, mattias.eden@mmk.su.se.ApplicationApply 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 dataand, in addition, please include the following documents:CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publicationsResearch 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 questionCopy of PhD diplomaLetters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files)Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

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