Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Materials Characterization

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. High-throughput SAXS for Lipid Nanoparticle Structure and Function Are you interested in developing next-generation scattering methods for one of the most important challenges in modern therapeutics? We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the CoSAXS beamline at MAX IV and the Edler Group, at Lund University to develop high-throughput SAXS/WAXS approaches for understanding the structure and function of solid lipid nanoparticles. This 36 month position offers the opportunity to work at one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron facilities, within an international and interdisciplinary research environment spanning soft matter physics, structural biology, nanomedicine, and advanced data analysis. The fellowship is funded through the prestigious AMBER Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme. The Research Environment The position is hosted jointly by the CoSAXS beamline and the Edler goup at Lund University. CoSAXS (https://www.maxiv.lu.se/beamlines-accelerators/beamlines/cosaxs/) is a state-of-the-art SAXS/WAXS beamline operating on the 3 GeV storage ring at MAX IV, one of the world’s leading fourth-generation synchrotron sources. The beamline supports research in soft matter, biological materials, and nanostructured systems through advanced instrumentation and flexible sample environments. The Edler Group ( https://www.cas.lu.se/research/materials-chemistry/edler-research-group) focuses on understanding how hierarchical functional materials form and how this understanding can be used to design new materials with tailored properties. Research in the group centres on self-assembly processes involving nanoparticles, surfactants, polymers, lipid systems, and other soft matter components, with particular emphasis on how nanoscale interactions govern structure and function across multiple length scales. The group combines advanced scattering and diffraction methods with a broad suite of complementary characterisation techniques such as TEM, SEM, AFM, NMR, light scattering, XRD, and neutron scattering approaches. The project also involves collaboration with researchers at ESS and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source as part of the ESS First Science initiative “The Lifecycle of a Lipid Nanoparticle.” The Project: High-throughput SAXS for Visualising Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Lipid nanoparticles are rapidly transforming the field of drug delivery, including RNA therapeutics and precision medicine. Despite their importance, many fundamental questions remain about how nanoparticle structure governs encapsulation, stability, transport, and biological performance. This project aims to establish direct links between nanoscale structure and function in lipid nanoparticles using advanced synchrotron SAXS/WAXS methods at MAX IV. The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in developing new experimental and analytical capabilities for high-throughput lipid nanoparticle characterisation at CoSAXS. The work combines synchrotron experiments, advanced scattering analysis, and collaborative method development. The successful candidate will: design, plan, and perform SAXS/WAXS experiments on solid lipid nanoparticles and related soft matter systems develop high-throughput workflows for nanoparticle characterisation at CoSAXS investigate nanoparticle formation pathways, internal organisation, and structural evolution analyse scattering data using advanced computational approaches, including atomistic and coarse-grained modelling contribute to the development of data analysis tools for complex nanoparticle systems participate in neutron and synchrotron experiments at international large-scale facilities support relevant user experiments and contribute to the broader scientific activities of the beamline train and support users in scattering workflows and analysis methods contribute to supervision of student projects and collaborative research activities disseminate research through publications, conference presentations, workshops, and international collaborations The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute both to frontier research in nanostructured therapeutics and to the development of next-generation experimental methods for the wider scientific community. We are looking for an ambitious and collaborative researcher with strong experimental and analytical skills. Applicants should have: PhD in a relevant science area, biophysics, lipid/amphiphile based physical chemistry or equivalent Proven expertise in SAXS/WAXS and data interpretation Proven experience in the use of synchrotron SAXS/WAXS for lipid or surfactant self-assembled structure determination Documented expertise in data reduction and analysis using scripting (ideally python-based) Experience carrying out SAXS/WAXS experiments at large scale facilities, ideally from self-authored proposals Working experience with soft matter and/or protein systems including sample preparation for SAXS measurements Ability to work independently and take initiatives Strong social and communication skills Good command of written and spoken English Experience with lipid systems, surfactants, nanoparticle self-assembly, atomistic modelling, or beamline environments will be considered an advantage. For the full advert and application, go here: https://lu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:939549/

Do you want to explore the application of 2D materials in the energy storage field? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the Division of Materials and Manufacture, Department of Mechanical Engineering, focused on innovative research in the development of functionalized two-dimensional materials and their composites for lithium-ion battery and future battery.  About us  At the department of https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/me/ we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world. In the division of https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/me/research/materials-and-manufacture/ you will join a friendly, international team passionate about shaping the future of materials and production. Our research spans innovative materials, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable solutions – always with real-world impact in mind, and with strong ties to industry. If you are interested in working experimentally and making a difference in the areas of materials and manufacturing, we look forward to receiving your application.  About the research project   The aim of this project is to investigate the use of Graphene related two-dimensional (2D) materials to improve the performance and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries. 2D materials such as graphene, MXenes, and transition metal dichalcogenides possess high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and excellent mechanical strength, which can enhance charge transport and energy storage capacity. These materials can help address major limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries, including slow charging rates, low energy density, overheating, and poor cycle stability. The project also aims to explore the functionalization of 2D materials and understand how 2D materials can improve battery safety, extend lifespan, and support the development of lightweight and high-performance energy storage systems for future technologies. Who we are looking for  The following requirements are mandatory:  A doctoral degree in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Physics, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made   Strong written and verbal communication skills in English  Experience in the synthesis of 2D materials, surface modification of graphene, and using 2D materials for battery   Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile including specification (e.g. social skills, meaning that you enjoy collaborating with others)  You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.  The following experience will strengthen your application:  It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline Experience in graphene, advanced characterization, and battery-related study, with good publication record What you will do  Synthesis of 2D materials and related composites Surface functionalization and modification of graphene and its related materials Understand the energy storage mechanism of 2D materials, and how it could improve the performance of battery Fabrication of batteries and evaluation of their performance. Supervise master’s and/or doctoral students to a certain extent  Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level  The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.  Contract terms   The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.  The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.  What we offer  As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/ and our https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/chalmers-as-an-employer/benefits-and-conditions/  for employees.  A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of https://www.goteborg.com/en.  Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at https://www.movetogothenburg.com/  Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/organisation-and-governance/equality/genie-gender-initiative-for-excellence/. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.  If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.  Application procedure  The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.  CV  A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.  Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.  Personal letter  A brief introduction about yourself.  A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.  An outline of your future goals and research focus.  Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.       A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.     Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.    We welcome your application no later than 30th of August, 2026 For questions please contact:  Jinhua Sun    Associate Professor   Email: jinhua@chalmers.se   Phone number: 0769609956   We look forward to your application!  *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***     Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.