School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health at KTH

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Fibre and Polymer Science

We are looking for a graduate student interested in developing novel biobased polyethylene-like materials with attractive properties and built-in circularity. Ideally the materials will be designed to be both chemically recyclable and fully biodegradable by strategic placement of reversible linkages sensitive to different external triggers. The work will span from polymer synthesis and characterization to testing chemical recyclability and biodegradability. The materials created within this project will contribute to sustainable society by reducing plastics environmental impacts. 

The graduate student will be admitted to a graduate programme that offers courses guaranteeing both breadth and depth of knowledge and skills. The work will be performed at the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology. The graduate student will be working in a constructive and inspiring scientific environment with the possibility of constructive collaborations within the field.

Supervision: Prof. Minna Hakkarainen is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

What we offer

Admission requirements

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 second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
  • completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
  • acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

We are looking for a candidate with a Master´s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology or equivalent. Specialization in Polymer Technology or Macromolecular Materials is an advantage. 

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6, read more here

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 assessed upon their ability to:

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

The applicant is expected to be a curious, ambitious person, highly motivated for graduate studies, has the ability to work independently and critically evaluate the performed work as well as strong communication skills. Previous knowledge in the field of polymer science and practical experience of synthesis, characterization and processing of polymers is an advantage. The applicant should have excellent skills in English, both written and spoken, in addition to good writing and presentation skills.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal competency. 

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)
  • Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
  • Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
  • Maximum two recommendation letters including contact information to a maximum of two reference persons.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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, as soon as possible
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-2022-2546
Contact
  • Minna Hakkarainen, minna@kth.se
Published 01.Dec.2022
Last application date 06.Feb.2023 11:59 PM CET

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