Postdoctoral Researcher in Green Organic Polymer Chemistry

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral Researcher in Green Organic Polymer Chemistry from December 1st 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as postdoc is limited to a period of one year with a possible extension.

The Green Bioorganic Chemistry Group (Diness Research Group) study advanced bioorganic chemistry in order to develop environmental friendly chemical production methods and products, as well as tools for combating diseases. The group primarily synthesizes organic molecules/polymers and screens these for biodegradability and/or towards biomedical targets. For our team working on developing biodegradable thermoplastics inspired by the structure of biopolymers we seek an experienced postdoctoral researcher skilled in organic chemistry, preferably with experience in polymer chemistry.

Read more at https://ruc.dk/en/forskningsgruppe/chemistry

Responsibilities and tasks
The postdoc’s work will include research within Green Organic Polymer Chemistry. In addition, a certain amount of teaching is also required. The major objectives will be development of new biodegradable polyester and polycarbonate based plastics.

The ideal candidate is expected to work on the following laboratory based research tasks:

• organic synthesis of monomers
• polymerization reactions
• material characterization
• evaluation of biodegradability

In addition to the laboratory based work research project management and writing of publication drafts will be major assignments. The job also includes daily supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students working with related projects.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent with polymer chemistry or organic chemistry at the core of the thesis. Excellent command of the English language in speaking and writing must be demonstrated. Prior publications within organic and/or polymer chemistry are a prerequisite.

Other key qualifications included in the assessment of candidates are:

• Strong publication record relevant to the research topic
• Experience within organic chemistry of biopolymers, polymer chemistry and biodegradation
• Ability to write manuscripts at the publication ready level
• Motivation and experience with supervision and training of research students
• Teaching experience within organic chemistry
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with others
• Curiosity driven interdisciplinary approach to science and an open mindset
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects
• Experience with maintaining laboratory infrastructure and equipment

The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to;

• scientific production and research prospective,
• the ability to promote and utilize research results,
• experience in teaching and education
• ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation

Questions
For further information about the postdoc, please contact Associate Professor Frederik Diness, email: [email protected], phone: (+45) 25488664 or Head of Department Susanne Sørensen,  email: [email protected].

Terms of employment
The employment is full-time, 37 hours per week, or part-time, 20 hours per week. Please write in your application whether you are open for working full-time, or part-time, or both. You will in your daily work refer to Associate Professor Frederik Diness.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.  

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/ 

Only applications in English are accepted. 

Applications must include: 

1. Cover letter 

2. CV 

3. Documentation of education 

4. A complete list of publications 

5. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment  

If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here) 

Please submit your application no later than November 15, 2024.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration. 

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.