Job Responsibilities

The Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology (FPT) is the largest academic institution in Sweden in the field of natural and synthetic polymers.

The combination of the traditionally distinct fields of natural and synthetic polymers is unique and enables FPT to meet future demands for sustainable material use in society.

The postdoctoral project is a central part of FibRe, a VINNOVA competence center consisting of academic partners (Chalmers and KTH), industry, and public organizations. This specific project will be conducted at FPT at KTH in close collaboration with research partners at Chalmers and with some of the companies (Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, Billerud, etc.), link (https://www.chalmers.se/en/centres/FibRe/Pages/default.aspx).

The aim of the project is to develop strategies and methods for producing lignocellulose-based materials with good thermoformability at elevated temperatures through plasticization and to develop mechanistic understanding of the achieved effects. The materials should have a high content of cellulose/lignocellulose. The applicant for this postdoctoral position should have good knowledge of wood-based materials, experience in material chemistry, and polymer synthesis. A suitable background for this position is a PhD in polymer science, fiber technology, materials science, or similar.

The work in the project will consist of producing plasticized lignocellulose-based materials with high fiber content using various methods, shaping these materials, and characterizing properties and structural determination at different length scales. There is a large amount of advanced laboratory equipment and instruments available to support the work, as well as qualified colleagues. The goal is for the project to be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at Chalmers.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who wants to be at the forefront of research and develop materials and methods for a sustainable future based on renewable materials.

Qualifications

Requirements

PhD in fiber and polymer science or equivalent, or foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD. This eligibility requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made.
Research competence in the field of fiber and polymer science.
Proven experience in relevant advanced characterization techniques and conducting experiments at large-scale research infrastructures.

Desirable

Documented experience in conducting research in the area of interactions in cellulose-based systems through scientific publications.
Pedagogical skills.
At the time of the application deadline, no more than three years since the PhD or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD was obtained.
High awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality.

To fulfill the duties of the postdoctoral position and to collaborate well with other members of the research group and other partners, the applicant must:

be able to speak and write scientific English and speak English fluently.
have documented ability to summarize research results in written and oral presentations.

As a person, you are:

proactive.
independent.
structured.
meticulous.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

Join KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and participating in the transition to a sustainable society. Here, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are quality issues and an obvious part of KTH's values as a university and government agency.

link (https://www.kth.se/om/jobba-pa-kth)

Union Representatives

Contact details for union representatives (https://www.kth.se/om/work-at-kth/fackrepresentanter-1.500898).

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you have the main responsibility for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application should include:

CV including relevant work experience and knowledge.
Copy of degree certificates and transcripts from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in either of these languages.
A brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. max 2 pages long.

The application must be received by KTH no later than the application deadline at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the Employment

The employment is permanent, but for a maximum of two years.

A fixed-term merit position (https://www.arbetsgivarverket.se/globalassets/arbetsgivarverket/avtal-och-skrifter/avtal/avtal-om-tidsbegransad-anstallning-som-postdoktor/avtal-om-tidsbegransad-anstallning-som-postdoktor-2021-11-19.pdf) primarily focused on research intended as a first career step after the doctoral degree.

Other

For union representatives (https://www.kth.se/om/work-at-kth/fackrepresentanter-1.500898) in connection with recruitment.

It may occur that a position at KTH is classified in a security class. If so, a security review of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) after consent. In these cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security review.

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