The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral research position at the intelligent Advanced Materials group led by Prof. Dr. Anja-Verena Mudring research project funded by the Novo Nordisk foundation with focus on polymorph specific crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients and related molecules from ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents. as per the 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a 2-year full-time position.
Expected start date and duration of employment
1 January 2025 or as soon thereafter. The position is funded until 31 December 2026 through a NNF RECRUIT grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to Prof. Dr. Anja-Verena Mudring, Head of intelligent Advanced Materials @ BCE.
Project Context
A RECRUIT grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation allows Prof. Dr. Anja-Verena Mudring, Head of the intelligent Advanced Materials group, to set up an internationally competitive research environment at the Department of Bio- and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, in the field of ionic liquids. Ionic liquids (ILs) as room temperature molten salts are receiving incredible attention as solvents and smart materials chemistry because of their unique properties and property combinations unattainable from solvents. The properties such as the liquidus ranges, non-volatility, thermal and chemical stability and controllable solvent properties that can be easily modified by changing the ionic components of the liquid. Tremendous progress has been made using ILs in separation science, catalysis, chemical synthesis, electrodeposition, lubrication, processing of cellulose, gas caption, storage and delivery. However, compared to other research efforts, ILs have been widely neglected as a medium for syntheses in inorganic and materials chemistry.
The Novo Nordisk RECRUIT grant facilitates developing ILs as smart materials for green and environmentally friendly applications, such as for organic lighting, catalysis, thermal energy conversion and storage.
Job description
As Postdoc your position is primarily research based. You will contribute, both independently and in collaboration with others, to the Novo Nordisk Foundation supported research project through research of high international quality. You will work closely together with both Danish and international colleagues.
Your main tasks will consist of:
- Synthesis of ionic liquids as smart materials for environmentally benign applications.
- Exploring a wide range of state-of-the-art synthesis methods.
- Characterization of their purity and structure via NMR, elemental analysis and vibrational spectroscopy.
- Characterization of ionic liquids by thermal analysis (DTA/TG and DSC), elemental analysis, NMR, Ir/Ra spectroscopy, polarizing optical microscopy.
- Establishing structure-property relationships and pushing the frontiers of the field.
- Communication and dissemination of your research results through reports, scientific papers and presentations at international conferences.
Your profile
Applicants should hold a Ph D in chemistry/medicinal chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science or an equivalent domain. You are expected to have proven scientific excellence.
The candidate should have documented experience in the synthesis and characterization of organic, organometallic compounds and/or ionic liquids. The candidate should have experience in handling air-sensitive compounds employing inert-gas/Schlenk techniques. Additionally, the candidate should be proficient in standard analytical techniques such as NMR, IR/Ra EA, and have experience with thermal analysis (TG, DTA, DSC). Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated strong background in synthetic chemistry.
As a person, you are independent, reliable and possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.
Who we are
The Institute of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) has strong research sections in Environmental Engineering and Materials & Process Engineering. Close collaboration with our neighboring Departments (Biosciences, Food, Agroecology, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Molecular Biology & Genetics and i Nano,) is a natural part of our culture. The successful applicant will be working at the intelligent Advanced Materials unit in the field of Materials Science & Engineering with a focus on Crystal Engineering and will produce and disseminate knowledge and research results. The intelligent Advanced Materials group headed by Prof. Dr. Anja-Verena Mudring is currently being built up with financial support of the Aarhus University Research, Villum, Novo Nordisk, Carlsberg, and Danish Independent Research foundations. Translation of results into solving relevant societal challenges and contributing to the Green Transition is a highly prioritized part of our work.
What we offer
- An internationally competitive research environment with new, state-of-the laboratories and equipment.
- an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators.
- a work environment encouraging lively, open and critical discussion.
- a workplace characterised by professionalism and a healthy life-work integration.
Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is Åbogade 40, 8200 Aarhus N, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.
Contact information
For further information, please contact: Professor Anja Verena Mudring, anja-verena.mudring@bce.au.dk
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Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 9 October 2024.