Postdoc in the interfacial chemistry of plastic surface

Applications are welcome for a Postdoc position at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH). The position is funded by a Carlsberg Foundation Semper Ardens: Accelerate Grant to Associate Professor Nicole Posth on the topic of “Minerals in the Plastisphere: influence on biological interactions and plastic degradation.” The selected candidate will join the Posth Lab focused on biogeochemical processes influencing the fate of plastics in aquatic environments.

We are a Geomicrobiology & Sediment Biogeochemistry Lab established in the Sedimentary Systems Research Group in the Geology Section of IGN (posthlab.com). The postdoc’s duties will primarily include research, but will also include supervision and training tasks regarding students at all levels. The position is funded for 12 months. However, funding for an extension will be actively pursued by the group leader. The postdoc will get the opportunity to contribute to these funding proposals, i.e., a chance to play a key role in shaping the future of the project.

The position is open from 1 June 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Further information on the Department can be found at www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Vivian Kvist Johannsen, e-mail: vkj@ign.ku.dk or Nicole Posth, email: nrep@ign.ku.dk.

The project
Plastic debris in aquatic environments hosts a complex biofilm, the plastisphere, that forms the interface between plastic and its environment. The plastisphere is constructed of bacteria, fungi, organic debris, minerals, metals, and salts. It is a highly reactive surface that influences the transport of plastic particles, and harbors colonizers and plastic-degrading microorganisms. The position offered here will study the surface chemistry of plastic under environmental conditions to explore how the metals and minerals formed on the plastic surface or embedded in the biofilm matrix drive the influence and fate of plastics in the environment. To this end, the postdoc will explore metal and mineral adherence and attraction to plastic under changing chemistries, as well as the role of metals as catalysts for biological and chemical transformations at the plastic surface. Using a combination of analytical, mineralogical and geo-chemical approaches in the laboratory, the project will probe mineral-influenced plastic degradation; test the role of metals in plastic degradation and quantify the end products of reactions across diverse matrices.

Qualifications and Job requirements
The selected candidate will be highly motivated and able to successfully take an interdisciplinary approach to this emerging topic. An aptitude for laboratory work and science communication is required. The candidate must have completed their PhD in a relevant discipline; i.e., materials science, polymer science, interfacial geochemistry, mineralogy, or biogeochemistry. Experience in FTIR and other spectroscopic methods for the analysis of minerals and materials is required, and a familiarity with plastic polymer chemistry is preferred. Experience with micro-spectroscopy is especially relevant. The successful candidate should feel comfortable working independently and to carry responsibility for the daily management of their research project in coordination with other members of the group. Creativity, curiosity, independent thinking, good communication skills in English, and the ability to work in a team are all central qualities for success.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• A letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Complete publication list
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan (~1 page) – description of current and future research plans
• 1-3 reference letters (If available)
   

The deadline for applications is 18 March 2025, 23:59 GMT+1

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Interviews will be held in April.