Postdoc Position in Organic Photochemistry, Directed towards Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 290 million SEK. At the department’s six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master’s programs. More information is available on our website.

The research area of the postdoctoral project is development of novel approaches for production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), where our focus is on a combined photobiological-photochemical approach to monoterpenoids reported in Green Chem., 2022, 24, 9602-9619. The first step in the approach is production of isoprene by photosynthetic cyanobacteria directly from CO2 as carbon source and solar light as energy source, and the second step is the photochemical dimerization of isoprene into monoterpenoids, which after hydrogenation is suitable as SAFs. The postdoctoral fellow should take part in (i) the development of photocatalyst systems, (ii) transfer this know-how to the construction of a pilot-scale photoreactor, and (iii) seek an optimal process for the transfer of isoprene from the photobiological to the photochemical reactor. The project will be carried out within the ALFAFUELS project funded by the European Commission. Within this consortium we collaborate with international research groups as well as applied research institutes and industry partners.

Work duties
The main duties involved in the post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching is not included.

The work duties of the postdoctoral fellow will be to:

• Carry out research on different types of photocatalyst systems for isoprene photodimerization, and identify the optimal catalyst for the larger scale.
• Take part in the development of the pilot-scale photochemical reactor, carried out at RISE Processum AB in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.
• Take part in the development of the isoprene transfer process, carried out at RISE Processum AB.
• Participate in the activities of the ALFAFUELS consortium, and actively involve in knowledge transfer to other partners.

Requirements
PhD degree in Chemistry or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Chemistry. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Advanced experience in organic photochemistry research is required.

The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant’s ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the amount of publications.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Desirable qualifications
Additional experiences in inorganic materials synthesis and/or scale-up of organic processes to pilot-scale (multi-liter scale) are desirable.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date May 1 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Henrik Ottosson (henrik.ottosson@kemi.uu.se) or Haining Tian (haining.tian@kemi.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 26 February 2024, UFV-PA 2024/207.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,500 employees and 54,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

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