KTH, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology & Health

Job description

The research division Biocomposites at the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology: https://www.kth.se/fpt/biocomposites The group works in a multidisciplinary framework, with competences ranging from cellulose and polymer chemistry to mechanics and processing of composites and molecular dynamics modeling. Focus is on nanostructured biocomposites and cellulose materials. The scientific interest is new material concepts, where structural and functional properties are combined. Material components include nanocellulose, plant fibers, wood, biopolymers, and are used in nanomaterial systems such as aerogels, foams, biocomposites, polymer matrix nanocomposites, inorganic hybrids etc. The post doctor will work directly with Professor Lars Berglund.

In this project, we investigate new material concepts based on cellulose nanofibrils, nanoporous wood fibers or delignified wood films. Interfaces are important, either cellulose-polymer matrix or cellulose-cellulose. Materials will be prepared with multifunctional applications in mind, where mechanical properties are combined with some other function such as optical transmittance, fire retardancy, moisture stability and recycling in mind. Eco-friendly aspects are critical. The larger program is funded by Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation, and about 10 PhD students and postdocs are involved with 5-7 faculty. The long-term interest is in eco-friendly and multifunctional high-technology materials from cellulose.

The post doctor will investigate nanostructured fibrils, wood fibers or delignified wood in multifunctional cellulose materials and biocomposites. Important questions are related to novel material concepts, nanostructural control and an assessment of eco-friendly characteristics.

What we offer

Qualifications

Requirements

  • A doctoral degree in topic related to Polymer Science, Polymer Composites, Materials Science and Engineering or corresponding competences (or an equivalent foreign degree), obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline (with some exceptions for special reasons such as periods of sick or parental leave - kindly indicate if such reason exists in your resume).
  • Experience in laboratory work related to polymers, composites, cellulose fibers or related topic.
  • Experience in materials preparation, SEM, and mechanical testing.
  • The candidate should have strong engineering science skills, be structured and creative, be able to work independently at high pace, capable of critical thinking and have a good publication record. You should have good communication skills, and be skilled in scientific discussions on advanced topics in English.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency.

Preferred qualifications

Strong competence and experience in polymer composites, cellulose fibers or polymers is an advantage, and:

  • Engineering science skills
  • Mastering of advanced experimental or theoretical methods
  • Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality
  • Teamwork abilities
  • Independence

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:

  1. Curriculum vitae (including list of publications, education and relevant academic/work experience)
  2. Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
  3. Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate
  4. Contact information for two references

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.

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
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number C-2020-1355
Contact
  • Lars Berglund, Professor, blund@kth.se
Published 19.Aug.2020
Last application date 30.Sep.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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