Staff Scientist within Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM)

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. The Research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry and organic chemistry. The research projects are many from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The department also hosts the Bachelor's degree programme in chemistry and three Master's programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. More information about us, please visit: Department of Chemistry

To support its various research programs, the Department of Chemistry has a well-developed shared research infrastructure, grouped into instrument facilities, with analytical equipment and experienced staff scientists to train and support users. One of the key research infrastructure facilities is the Electron Microscopy Center (EMC www.su.se/department-of-chemistry/research/infrastructure?open-collapse-boxes=ccbd-emcelectronmicroscopycenter), which hosts state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM). The SEM facility is equipped with spectroscopic tools such as EDX- and soft X-ray emission-spectrometers. In addition, the EMC houses advanced sample preparation equipment such as cryo-ultramicrotomy, cryo-SEM, and array tomography. The EMC is an open core facility at Stockholm University with many internal and external users. The EMC is therefore identified as a strategic infrastructure at the University and is also a node of ARTEMI (https://artemi.se/), which is a national infrastructure supported by the Swedish Research Council. The EMC currently has three staff scientists responsible for instrument maintenance and the training and support of users. Since our senior SEM staff scientist is retiring, we are now looking for a replacement.

Main responsibilities

Your duties at the EMC will include providing proficient expertise, service and training in scanning electron microscopy to support research and teaching activities. This will be carried out in close collaboration with fellow staff scientists at the EMC and its director, as well as with researchers and students who utilize scanning electron microscopy in their studies.

In particular, you will:

• Take responsibility for the operation and maintenance of scanning electron microscopes, as well as associated sample preparation equipment.
• Provide hands-on training and supervision to users in order to ensure safe, effective, and responsible use of the scanning electron microscopes and associated equipment.
• Offer expertise, advice, and assistance to help users achieve high-quality research outputs from the scanning electron microscopes.
• Provide administrative support, such as the management of instrument scheduling and accounting, as well as the documentation of training and safety protocols.
• Work actively toward increasing the EMC user base, and participate in and assist with the EMC's and the University's outreach activities.
• Be available for occasional work outside of regular working hours to ensure the availability of microscopes and supporting equipment when needed. 

Qualification requirements

We are looking for you who have:

• A PhD degree in science, engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of advanced SEM instruments, including EDS spectrometers, with 3-5 years of experience in their use and maintenance.
• Strong expertise in acquiring and interpreting data relevant to materials research, for soft or hard materials.
• Familiarity with cryo sample-preparation techniques for analysis of soft matter and bio-based materials.
• Strong ability to collaborate with users from various backgrounds and levels of expertise, as well as with administrative and technical staff.
• Good organizational and analytical skills and documented abilities for independent work.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. 

It is desirable if you have:

• Experience in developing new methods that expand experimental capabilities in scanning electron microscopy and related techniques.
• Expertise in complementary advanced characterization techniques.
• Ability to communicate in Swedish. 

About the employment

This is a full-time, indefinite-term employment with a six-month probationary period. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting. Start date as soon as possible as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the Director of the Electron Microscopy Center, Assoc. Prof. Tom Willhammar, phone: +46 70 358 07 25, tom.willhammar@su.se.

For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Professor Niklas Hedin, phone: +46 8 16 24 17, niklas.hedin@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.