Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology

Are you passionate about sustainability and circular solutions? We are looking for a driven and innovative postdoctoral researcher to work on the production, characterization, and testing of carbon and inorganic adsorbents for applications focusing on wastewater treatment. Join our team and contribute to research that promotes greener solutions in the Nordic region!

About the Job

The research is part of the ProWater project (The use of industrial by-products as secondary resources in wastewater treatment) funded by the EU Interreg Aurora program with project partners from northern Sweden and Finland. The recirculation of industrial by-products in wastewater treatment systems and processes has the potential to increase resource efficiency, reduce the impacts of waste management, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, reduce water pollution, and promote a more circular economy. Despite this potential, there are various challenges in realization. These include limited knowledge about different raw materials and their suitability as adsorbents, data on processing needs, and the effectiveness of secondary materials in treatment systems at representative scale. This position aims to generate new knowledge that helps overcome these challenges and promotes a more circular economy in the Nordic region.

Your Background

As a postdoctoral researcher at SBT at SLU, you will investigate the production of adsorptive materials from various relevant raw materials (i.e., by-products from selected Nordic industries). You have experience working with carbon and/or inorganic sorbent materials and experimental systems. You will work on material preparation and pre-treatments, characterization of raw materials, use of pyrolysis systems at bench scale, mapping and testing of activation methods (e.g., thermal/physical and chemical) and analysis of adsorbent performance from a variety of wastewater types using laboratory and pilot scale. A major focus of your work is to design and develop greener production methods that enhance the sustainability of adsorbent materials from a holistic perspective while maintaining their effectiveness.

The majority of your working time will be devoted to experimental work, collaboration with research colleagues, contributing to writing scientific publications, presenting your work, and acting as a link between SLU and researchers from other organizations. Your work may also include limited teaching and/or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time. We are looking for a motivated person who meets the following requirements for the position:

• A PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields
• Previous experience with organic/inorganic adsorbents and wastewater treatment
• Demonstrated skills in laboratory experimental methods and data analysis
• Excellent English with good communication and presentation skills
• Strong evidence of English-language authorship (e.g., scientific journals)
• Ability to work independently and also collaborate in a team

As the position is intended for a junior researcher, we are primarily looking for individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years. If there are special reasons, the PhD may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, union duties, or other similar circumstances.

About Us

The Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology (SBT) is part of the Faculty of Forest Sciences, which has around 50 employees, based in both Umeå and Uppsala. The department conducts high-quality research and education at a high international level and collaborates with both society and industry to develop a bio-based economy where forest biomaterials are an important resource. The main focus in Umeå is on value chains in the bio-based industry where different components of forest biomaterials are collected, characterized, separated, modified/refined, used, and reused cost-effectively for various purposes while sustainably managing forest ecosystem services. In Uppsala, the main focus is on wood science and technology, with research and education on wood materials from nano to macro level, wood composites, and wood adhesives, as well as accredited testing of wood products and wood protection. Read more about our department at: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-biomaterial-teknologi (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-biomaterial-teknologi)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Umeå, Sweden

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

August 2025 or by agreement

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-04-15.

Union Contacts:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students, and researchers and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.