Postdoctoral Researcher in Textile Technology Focused on Pain Treatment

The Textile University at the Academy of Textiles, Technology and Economics is a center for the textile and fashion sector's competence supply, through education at undergraduate and advanced levels, as well as doctoral level in the field of Textile and Fashion, through research activities and close collaboration with the industry. The operations are based on multidisciplinary collaboration between artistic and technical design, textile technology, and management.

Welcome to us at the Academy of Textiles, Technology and Economics!

About the Research Project

We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher in textile technology with a focus on pain treatment using textiles. The project tests the so-called MH (machine-to-human) touch as a hypothesis for alleviating chronic pain. By stimulating a specific class of mechanically receptive neurons in the skin, C-LTMRs, there is a downgrading of the pain experience. Textile actuation is a strong research field at the Textile University with several ongoing and completed research projects. Textile actuation involves manufacturing fibers and textile materials capable of exerting perceived mechanical force on their surroundings and/or changing their own shape. This is combined with the study of neurological effects. Such neurotextiles also explore the fundamental haptic role of textiles in human life. Responses will be measured with biomarkers as a complement to classical self-assessment scales. Collaboration with hospitals, patients, other educational institutions, and companies is included.

Your Responsibilities

Your employment includes the following:

• Conduct scientific studies regarding textile actuation and pain.
• Manufacturing, using textile techniques and textile form factors, of actuating fibers, fabrics, and knits.
• Manufacturing through the confection of textile testing instruments.
• Textile characterization and studies of actuation capability.
• Participate in the implementation of clinical studies and analyze outcomes through biomarkers, pain assessment scales, and user experiences.
• Scientific reporting and presentation including writing scientific articles.

No institutional service is planned for the position.

You will be part of the research group on polymer e-textiles led by Associate Professor Nils-Krister Persson.

Your Qualifications

For the position, you are required to have a PhD in textile technology or a related field deemed equivalent by the employer. Additionally, a bachelor's or master's degree in materials science, biotechnology, human-machine interaction, or a related field deemed equivalent by the employer is required. You need to have knowledge and experience in textile fiber formation and dyeing, as well as knowledge and experience in industrial weaving, knitting, dyeing, and confection. You should have basic knowledge of electronics and a good ability to collaborate with internal and external parties, take initiative, work structurally, and prioritize among tasks. Furthermore, good communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required.

Priority will be given to those who have obtained their PhD no more than three years before the application deadline. Those who have obtained their degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, union duties, or other similar circumstances.

Meritorious:

• Experience in developing textile prototypes, products, or processes.
• Knowledge of physiology and biology.
• Experience working with healthcare personnel and patients.
• Good knowledge of statistical methods including non-parametric methods.
• Knowledge of user experience (UX).

Your Employment

Employment according to the Agreement on Fixed-Term Employment as a postdoctoral researcher, ongoing, but for a maximum of two years. A condition for the application of this agreement is that the employee has not previously been employed as a postdoctoral researcher under this agreement for more than one year in the same or closely related subject area with the same employer.

Employment rate: 100 %
Start date: September 1, 2026
Location: Borås, Sweden
Diary number: PA2025/203

How to Apply

Welcome with your complete application including diary number and attachments via our recruitment system by February 15, 2026.

How to apply – create an account and see which documents you need to attach.

The University of Borås encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives as this enriches and strengthens our operations. We strive for a balanced gender distribution among employees and value diversity in our operations.

Want to Know More?

The University of Borås is a government authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension.

Employee Benefits

Work with us

Contact the following individuals if you want to know more about your new job:

Anders Persson, recruiting manager.

Union representative for Saco-S is Sunil Kumar, who can be reached via the university's switchboard at +46 33-435 40 00. Union representative for OFR/S can be reached at [email protected].

We kindly ask for no direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies or sellers of recruitment ads.