Doctoral student in Polymeric Materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Polymer Science

The global warming has to be defeated. One way of doing this is to turn from petroleum-based plastics to bio-based alternatives. The other great concern is the increasing litter of plastics and micro-plastics. An interesting source for bio-based materials is proteins, and among these wheat gluten stands out. Gluten is a co-product from starch/ethanol production. Especially interesting is the good foaming properties of gluten.

We have shown that it is possible to obtain foams through freeze-drying. However, the freeze-drying method is time-consuming, energy intensive and difficult to scale up. This project will focus on a rapid foam extrusion and a fast batch-process. With previous life-cycle analyses, determined material properties and a close dialogue with societal institutions and industry it is evident that these foams are a good alternative as e.g. cushioning material in packaging and in thermal (e.g. buildings/home appliances) and acoustic insulations. The project is funded by Formas, a government research council for sustainable development.

Supervision: The doctoral student will be placed at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and supervised by: Prof Mikael Hedenqvist

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.
• A compulsory individual study plan to support your development in your area of interest.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe’s fastest growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
• language requirements

We are looking for a person with materials science or polymer technology/science education or similar. Persons with protein knowledge can also apply. 

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or hers work,
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions and certificates of fulfilled language requirements.These need to be translated into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.