POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH FUNDING FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS ‒PhD POSITION IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (CALL FOR APPLICATIONS)

03.06.2020

Laboratory for analytical chemistry and industrial analysis invites students of natural sciences and technology (preferably chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, or materials sciences) to apply for a 4-year postgraduate research funding for young researchers, financially supported by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS). The aim of postgraduate research funding is to enable young researchers to participate in research work during their postgraduate studies on the basis of fixed-term employment contracts. The Agency finances their salaries, social contributions, as well as material and non-material costs.

The field of research will be focused on study and optimization of state-of-the-art screen-printed electrode (SPE) electrochemical sensors for determination of environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides. Further emphasis will be put on advanced surface analysis. The young researcher will be a part of the ARRS program group »Process systems engineering and sustainable development« (P2-0032), a group of renowned researchers who are conducting projects in several scientific areas, including environmental analytics. The Laboratory for analytical chemistry and industrial analysis has particular strengths in electrochemistry, surface analysis, chemometrics, and chromatography. The research is focused on the development, optimization, and validation of new analytical methods. The work involves trace level determination of heavy metals and pollutants by electrochemical measurements, the electrochemical study of corrosion processes, advanced surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and development of chromatographic analytical methods (gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ion chromatography (IC)). Another important research area of the laboratory is the development of novel  bioactive coatings on metal substrates as new materials for medical implants. To this end, we are developing new analytical approaches by using a combination of methods from very different scientific fields, which gives us a much deeper insight into the properties of new materials and their potential capabilities. The intricate interactions between the functionalized metallic substrate, multipurpose coating, and biological environment (tissue) that is in contact with the functionalized material can only be obtained by using state-of-the-art interdisciplinary techniques and characterization approaches. We are therefore paving the way for a new approach towards the evaluation of medical grade metal materials meant for biomedical applications (and possibly others) by combining various characterization methods, ranging from chemical, physical, biological, as well as functional testing of desired material properties related to the actual use. We believe that this approach could present an appropriate platform for future evaluation of similar materials. Bioactive and biocompatible coatings with enhanced durability and corrosion resistance properties would be superior to the most advanced products currently available on the market. The candidate for postgraduate student has to show an average grade for all examinations and coursework at bachelor’s and master’s degree (together with the assessment of diploma and master thesis) of at least 8.00 (out of 10.00). The age of the candidate should not exceed 28 years, unless the student has already concluded one or two years of postgraduate study without financial support. The raise of the age limit also applies in case of parental care leave. Candidates are expected to be highly motivated, able to work in group as well as independently, be versatile, and show initiative. Good written and oral proficiency in English is desirable. Members of the Laboratory for analytical chemistry and industrial analysis are developing the most advanced analytical methods and cooperate in research activities with many domestic and foreign research institutions and companies. After successfully completing the doctoral study, the candidate will have acquired knowledge and experience to carry out the most challenging projects in industry and academia. Candidates are invited to apply for the position by sending their CV, copies of degrees and certificates, a letter of motivation, and/or a letter of recommendation to the following e‑mail address: matjaz.finsgar@um.si.The call will be open until the candidate is selected.

Assoc. Prof. Matjaž Finšgar

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