KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Fibre and Polymer Science

A scientific challenge is to develop reactions that allow for cellulose crystals to be finely embedded as a loadbearing network in the highly porous silica aerogels. These hybrid cellulose aerogels would likely be less susceptible to mechanical failure since it has been reported that silica becomes more ductile when its bulk mass is reduced. The goal of this project is therefore to develop very thin coatings on cellulose crystals and evaluate a range of the reaction conditions, which in turn would pave a route for further up-scaling and inexpensive preparation of hybrid cellulose aerogels. The overall goal is to learn and explore how and why different silicone oxide materials can associate more or less favourable with cellulose nanofibres.

Supervision: The doctoral student will be supervised by: Associate Professor Richard Olsson

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.Read more.
  • 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

Merits of special interest

  • Previous experience of microscoopy characterization of nanomaterials
  • Previous experience of research work on universities
  • Background in chemistry or materials science is advantageous
  • Previous experience of condensation chemistry related to silicone oxide

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.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who can contribute with own ideas and who can work both independently and in a group. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is necessary to publish and present research results at international conferences and in journals. We will place great emphasis on personal suitability.

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
  • 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.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number C-2020-0283
Contact
  • Richard Olsson, Associate Professor , +46 8 790 60 36; +46 73 270 18 68
Published 13.Feb.2020
Last application date 23.Feb.2020 11:59 PM CET

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