Postdoctoral associate or scientific advisor opening in materials characterization and development

We search at the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) of the University of Southern Denmark in Sønderborg, a highly motivated individual to support our team in materials characterization and related technology transfer. The position will commence on July 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter and the application deadline is May 31, 2024. This is a full-time position for one year with the possibility for extension to two years if financing permits.

MCI is the leading institution in the new Danish national infrastructure cluster NANOCHEM (www.nanochem.dk), which specializes in micro- and nanoscale structural analysis and chemical mapping of materials. This infrastructure provides unique methods that enable fundamental new understandings of such diverse processes as failure of electronic components or the mechanism of transfer of chemical compounds through biological barriers. Such knowledge will enable us to design both the electronic products and the drugs of the future – to name two relevant areas. NANOCHEM is embedded in an environment that spans basic research to early innovation and is open to researchers and industrial stakeholders through outstanding service and consultancy.

The successful candidate will work closely with the MCI researchers and external stakeholders to establish and strengthen new networks related to materials characterization. The candidate will also contribute to the identification of new technologies and innovations to unleash the full potential of the newly established NANOCHEM infrastructure.

Your tasks
As part of NanoChem, you will have a varied and exciting workday that includes:

• Conduct structural and chemical analysis of materials using selected technologies like focused ion beam nanofabrication, secondary ion mass spectroscopy (FIB-SIMS), tip-enhanced Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (nanoFTIR), confocal Raman imaging spectroscopy.
• Work closely with the research team to implement and develop new technologies and workflows.
• Consult researchers and industrial partners concerning methodology, tool selection, and data analysis.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partners and external stakeholders.
• Disseminate NANOCHEM activities to relevant stakeholders and market emerging technologies.
• Communicate with existing technology transfer units at SDU (TEK Innovation, SDU RIO) to identify new potential commercial applications and innovations.
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in materials science or materials engineering, physics, chemistry or closely related fields
• At least 3 years of professional experience in materials characterization, technology transfer or a PhD in a relevant topic
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in English (written and oral)
• Strong communication skills with scientists and non-scientists
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to quickly learn about science outside your area of expertise.
• Both technical and scientific mindset.

Workplace
The successful candidate will be affiliated with the Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark which is located at the Faculty of Engineering on the international campus in Sønderborg, Denmark. The campus is in a vibrant and emerging industrial environment in the cross-border region Denmark-Germany. Read more about the institute and its centers here: ( https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/institutter_centre/mci_mads_clausen) and here: (https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/c_nanosyd)

Contact information
For further information on the position please contact Associate Professor Till Leissner at phone +45 6550 8378 or by email to [email protected], or Prof. Horst-Günter Rubahn, Head of the Mads Clausen Institute, at phone +45 6011 3517 or by email [email protected].

Terms of employment
This is a full-time position for one year with potential for extension. The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Salary in accordance with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

The assessment process
Read about the recruitment process on: Recruitment of academic staff and Recruitment of technical-administrative staff (TAP).

Shortlisting may be used.

Application procedure
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

All application documents should not contain a CPR number – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out. All included files must be in Adobe PDF format, and the language must be English.

The application must be in English and must include:

• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the position/project in question (max. 2 pages).
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Documentation of technology transfer experience or list of publications
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams.
• Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.

The application must not exceed 10 MB in total. If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Placering: Sønderborg, Denmark