Automation expert for Chemical synthesis and Material processing

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 organic and inorganic 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: the Department of Chemistry.

CircuLab is a new infrastructure platform at SU, supported by WISE for data-driven sustainable chemistry. CircuLab infrastructure, and associated methods, will be a constellation  different equipment and accessories, and tools for data collection, storage and use. The platform will be placed in a approx. 150m2 high-end laboratory at SU.

We are seeking an automation expert with a PhD degree for establishig automation methods for materials chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and catalysis for organic synthesis, capable of integrating high-throughput experimentation (HTE) for chemicals and materials syntheses and processing, analytical tools and machine learning under CircuLab. The candidate will be completely dedicated to establish the unique functionality of the platform and should have the expertise and interest to make CircuLab ready for use by internal and external users.

Main responsibilities

The position involves establishing the  use of the individual equipment and also different clusters separately or together.  The candidate should have expertise and interest to work with HTE, sustainable dry processes, mechanochemistry, in line and on-line spectroscopy, high-through put mass spectroscopy, analysis of organic compounds, ecotoxicity screening and with data storage /management which will be produced in CircuLab. The tasks for you as automation expert are:

• Installation of the equipment clusters and  establishing  interconnection between clusters and testing the  functions
• Establish a unique and comprehensive automation strategy aligned with the lab’s scientific goals and regulatory requirements
• Evaluate existing processes and design unique automation solutions, including sample handling, data acquisition, and assay execution
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to select and implement appropriate laboratory solutions for inline and ex situ characterisation protocols
• Collaborating with suppliers to build and establish the fully interconnected platform, including coding
• Work with the installation, calibration, and validation of laboratory automation systems in compliance with regulations
• Design hardware, software and accessories to enhance the functions of automated systems, including liquid handling platforms and other robotic devices
• Working with the platform suppliers to establish software for data collection, data sharing and data management
• Troubleshooting and solving technical issues related to Circulab equipments and clusters.

Qualification requirements

We are looking for you who have:

• PhD in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Materials), Chemical Engineering, or Data Science and skills in the development of automated methods are essential as well as the ability to take responsibility in research planning and organization
• Expertise in data driven chemistry and expertise to connect experiments, data analysis and AI
• Expertise on integrating high-throughput chemical synthesis and material processing platforms, analytical tools and machine learning platforms
• Basic skills in organic materials, organic synthesis and processing, and related characterization techniques are a plus
• Expertise in operation, method development, and routine maintenance of instruments
• Strong organizational skills
• Good skill in English (spoken and written) is required. Basic skills in Swedish (spoken and written) is an asset.

The candidate should have experience of at least two years after completion of the PhD studies at the time of application. The ideal candidate is passionate about the next-generation synthesis and chemical production, automation of synthesis and analysis, and automated discovery of formulations and materials. Full working proficiency in English as well as the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team is a must. 

The selection is based primarily on experience in the subject of the announcement.

About the employment

This is a full-time, indefinite-term employment with a six-month probationary period. The position is supported by Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), Circulab. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting. Start date as 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 Prof. Aji Mathew, phone: +46 8 16 12 56, aji.mathew@su.se, or Prof. Belén Martín-Matute, phone: +46 8 16 24 38, belen.martin.matute@su.se.

For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact Head of Department Prof. Niklas Hedin, 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.