Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Pulping at Mid Sweden University

We conduct research and education in the fields of physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, technical design, engineering physics, and subject didactics in mathematics and natural sciences. Here, unique and world-leading research is conducted within the centers FSCN Research Centre and Sports Tech Research Centre.

The Department of Engineering Science, Mathematics, and Subject Didactics (IMD) conducts research and education in the fields of physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, technical design, engineering physics, and subject didactics in mathematics and natural sciences.

Here, unique and world-leading research is conducted within the centers FSCN Research Centre and Sports Tech Research Centre.

The Fiber Science and Communication Network (FSCN) is an interdisciplinary research center at Mid Sweden University. Within FSCN, research is conducted to create new applications and business opportunities for materials based on sustainable biomaterials from the forest.

Job Responsibilities

Research (90-100%) in the field of chemical pulping and the project Emission Free Pulping. Teaching and other administrative tasks (0-10%) may be included as needed.

The research task is within FSCN and is directed towards the field of chemical pulping and process development for new methods of producing fibers and by-products with high yield and without burning biomass (Emission Free Pulping). The position is located at Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall, but parts of the research work will be carried out in collaboration with companies such as Nouryon, Valmet, and RISE, so travel may occur.

Emission Free Pulping is a 5-year research program led by RISE and VTT (Finland) aimed at significantly reducing biomass combustion and increasing product yield from wood from approximately 50% to approximately 70%. The program is expected to have a budget of approximately 15 million euros over the next five years.

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

Those applying for the postdoctoral position must meet the eligibility requirements described here (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

Eligible candidates for this position are individuals who have completed their PhD in fields such as chemical engineering, organic chemistry, wood chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, or other relevant areas for the project. We are looking for a person with strong knowledge in wood polymer properties and specifically in delignification. It is also important to have general knowledge of pulp and paper technology. Applicants must be able to independently design and conduct experiments and contribute to an interdisciplinary applied R&D team. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.

Since collaboration with businesses both within and outside the university is a fundamental requirement for the position, we place great importance on being a responsible person who is easy to collaborate with. You should be self-driven, structured, and take responsibility for your tasks.

Processing

The employment is processed in accordance with here (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

Employment and Start Date

The postdoctoral position is temporary for 2 years with the possibility of extension for up to one year, comprising 100% of full-time with a start date of 2026-02-02 or by agreement.

The terms of employment are regulated here (https://www.miun.se/globalassets/styrdokument/administration-stod-och-service/personal/anstalla-personal/regel/avtal-om-tidsbegransad-anstallning-som-postdoktor-2021-11-19.pdf).

Location: Sundsvall

Salary: Individual salary setting applies.

Information

For further information, contact Professor Juha Fiskari at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for project information and Head of Department Claes Mattsson at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for departmental information. Also, see the department's website here (https://www.miun.se/mot-mittuniversitetet/Organisation/institutioner/imd/) and the website for the research project Emission Free Pulping here (https://www.emissionfreepulping.com/).

Application

Application documents should be in Swedish or English.

Welcome with your application via our recruitment system no later than 2025-12-23.

Mid Sweden University, with campuses in both Sundsvall and Östersund, is an institution close to students, colleagues, and the surrounding community. At the same time, we are located near the sea, forests, and mountains, creating conditions for a fantastic quality of life. Here, new knowledge is created through internationally successful research and education that contributes to societal development. In this way, we contribute to a sustainable future and a better world.

As an employee at Mid Sweden University, you should be able to balance work with leisure and have a good balance in life. We offer, among other things, flexible working hours, support for wellness activities, salary supplementation during parental leave and sickness, and generous vacation days.

Mid Sweden University actively works for equal opportunities and strives to take advantage of the qualities that diversity and gender equality bring to the organization. Your personal data is processed and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. We welcome inquiries from those interested in working with us but decline offers from those selling advertising and recruitment services.