Postdoc within the field of thermoplastic cellulose fibres - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

The department of Fibre and Polymer Technology is looking for a postdoctoral researcher for research on thermoplastic cellulose fibres within the competence centre FibRe: Assessment of the homogeneity of chemical modifications aimed for thermoplasticisation of cellulosic fibres. The successful candidate will interact and work together with researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and FibRe industry partners.

Native cellulose cannot be thermoformed or melt processed, which to a large extent hinders it from replacing petroleum-based polymers in complex-shaped parts. However, recent research in our laboratory has shown that after adequate chemical modification of cellulosic fibres, forming a partial cellulose derivative, they cannot only form thermoformable sheets but even be processed in conventional melt-processing equipment such as an extruder. The objective of project is to develop a methodology able of assessing the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the degree of modification and distribution of cellulose derivative inside the fibre wall, as well as how this distribution differ from one type of fibre to another. Such information is foreseen to facilitates establishment of chemical-structure-property relationships. The modified fibres will be carefully characterised with high-resolution techniques such as AFM, IR microscopy, NMR, SEM and x-ray scattering techniques.  Strong interaction is foreseen with at least one neighbouring FibRe projects running at Chalmers University of Technology.

What we offer

• International workplace.
• A leading technical university that creates knowledge and expertise for a sustainable future.
• Here you get colleagues with high ambitions in an open, curious and dynamic environment.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, materials science, or similar (or an equivalent foreign degree), obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline. Regardless of doctoral degree, basic chemistry knowledge will be required.
• Good academic records.
• Experience in using, including sample preparation, and analysing data characterisation techniques such as AFM, NMR, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD.
• Are fluent in English, not only for academic writing but also for oral communication.
• Enjoy working interdisciplinary and to interact and collaborate with researchers from different academic and industrial institutions.

As a person you are self-motivated and persistent. You have the ability to work hard and spend time, energy and commitment to your work. You remain focused on your goal and work. You take great responsibility in your work and we find it important that you follow the quality standards required for your work and ensures nothing is left to chance. Since you will be part of a large research group and also belong to a cross-university research centre, it is important that you are good at communicating and building relationships. Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability.

Preferred qualifications

• Research expertise
• Educational ability
• Teamwork
• Independence

Furthermore, it will be considered an advantage if you have additional knowledge and experience of modifying relevant biopolymers and/or (bio)fibres, wood-derived fibres in particular, and is familiar with their chemistry.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

The application must include the following documents:

• CV with at least two references (maximum two pages)
• Statement of professional interest (maximum one page)
• Transcripts (BSc, MSc, PhD) from university/universities, showing that you are eligible for a postdoctoral position
• Example of technical writing, e.g., thesis or scientific paper

Temporary employment for up to one year, or by agreement.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

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.

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