Postdoc position in sustainable antifouling strategies in shipping

Information about the research
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the area of ecotoxicology and antifouling strategies for the shipping sector. The postdoctoral position will contribute to a larger project that also includes hydrodynamic assessments of different coatings and fouling as well as valuation of the societal costs associated with the spread of biocides to the marine environment.

The colonization of submerged surfaces in seawater by fouling organisms is a significant problem for the shipping industry, since fouling translates to higher transport and maintenance costs as well as increased environmental impact. The most common strategy to prevent biological fouling is to coat the hull with antifouling paints that contain and leach biocides to the marine environment. Due to environmental concern, several countries have adopted stricter regulation for coatings leaching copper compounds and there is hence a need for more sustainable antifouling practices. One promising alternative is foul release coatings which in a few studies have been shown to be as effective as copper-based antifouling paints in preventing biofouling. There is however limited knowledge on how a large scale use of these foul release coatings may impact the marine environment.

The position will be hosted by the unit of Maritime Environmental Sciences at the department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences but includes collaboration with research groups at SSPA and Gothenburg University.

The postdoctoral researcher will be working within a group at MES that runs several projects targeting antifouling questions and solutions. Within the work the postdoc will be using novel approaches to measure biofouling and leaching rates of metallic biocides, e.g. copper, from antifouling paints. The work will include method development, lab and field work, statistical analyses, interpretation of data and writing scientific papers.

Major responsibilities
The aim of the postdoctoral position is to assess the potential of biocide-free antifouling coatings for the shipping sector. The assessment will be conducted based on 1) the coatings efficacy in preventing biofouling 2) environmental impact of compounds leached from the coatings 3) costs of applying and maintain the coating. A comparison with biocidal coatings, e.g. copper-based paints, will be included in the analysis. The focus of the position is flexible and will be dictated by the qualification of the successful candidate. 

The successful candidate will work as part of a team involving ecotoxicologist, analytical chemists and biologists to develop a sustainable antifouling strategy tool for the shipping sector and for policy makers.

The work will be performed in collaboration with researchers at other universities/ institutes as well as industry. You are expected to communicate your findings to relevant stakeholders.

Position summary
Full-time employment with a competitive salary and with social benefits. This position is limited to one year.

Qualifications
You like to work independently and you plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have the ability to discuss and communicate your work with people of different backgrounds. We also believe that you are a motivated person, with a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

To qualify for the position of postdoctoral researcher, you should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, chemistry, biology and have experience in ecotoxicology and/or environmental risk assessment and/or hydrodynamics. The degree should generally not be older than three years. Knowledge in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and advanced field and lab work is beneficial. The candidate is expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

We are looking for an ambitious, independent researcher with good analytical skills who is interested in applied research.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200151 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 1 May 2020 

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Erik Ytreberg, Maritime Studies, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences

*** 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 University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!