Vacant job

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of over 2.3 billion SEK. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.

The Department of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology is seeking a highly motivated researcher with an interest in research on bio-based battery materials and their processing within the field of wood and bio-nanocomposites. The research group is conducting ongoing research programs within energy storage, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composite materials. The department is part of the Division of Engineering Science and Mathematics, where several research areas have activities closely linked to battery technology and battery testing, such as energy technology, fluid mechanics, and experimental mechanics.

Subject Description

The field of wood and bio-nanocomposites encompasses the production of materials and composites based on renewable raw materials, such as by-products from the forest, food, and agricultural industries, as well as carbonized biomaterials. The research focuses on the manufacturing and material development of these raw materials through processes such as electrospinning, extrusion, composite manufacturing, injection molding, and film formation for applications in electronics, energy storage, the automotive industry, packaging, and other areas.

Job Responsibilities

The position is linked to Bio4Energy and RECAT at Luleå University of Technology. The focus is on the processing of bio-based carbon materials and their evaluation as advanced battery active materials for sustainable energy storage. The research includes the development and optimization of process routes and understanding the relationship between structure and properties of active materials for current and next-generation batteries.

As an Assistant Professor, you are expected to independently plan and conduct research, teaching, supervision, and administrative tasks in line with the long-term goals of RECAT and the research group Wood and Bio-nanocomposites. The role also includes project management, development of your own research activities, and participation in other research projects and educational initiatives.

For the full advertisement, visit ltu.se/ledigajobb

Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment as an Assistant Professor, the applicant must:

• have completed a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Preference is given to those who have completed their doctoral degree no more than five years before the application deadline. Those who completed their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered if special circumstances apply. Special circumstances include, for example, illness, parental leave, or other similar conditions.

Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria apply to the appointment:

• scientific proficiency
• other assessment criteria

Other assessment criteria, ranked by importance:

• documented knowledge in the synthesis and production of active carbon materials for energy storage
• experience in advanced material characterization for energy storage
• experience with bio-based carbon materials in electronic applications
• experience with battery materials, electrochemical characterization, testing, process technology, and electron microscopy
• documented strong scientific publication record within the subject area
• good teamwork skills and ability to collaborate with the surrounding society
• ability to communicate research and development results
• ability to teach in Swedish and/or English
• postdoctoral experience in a relevant research area is meritorious.

Duration of Employment

The employment is fixed-term for four years.

Promotion to Associate Professor

An Assistant Professor shall, upon application, be promoted to Associate Professor and appointed to a permanent position if they are eligible for such an appointment and, upon review, are deemed suitable according to the assessment criteria applicable for Associate Professor.

Promotion requires that the Assistant Professor has completed higher education pedagogy equivalent to at least 7.5 higher education credits or has acquired equivalent knowledge in another way.

During the employment period, the Assistant Professor must also independently, to a significant extent and with high quality, contribute to the university's research and demonstrate good pedagogical proficiency.

Information

Salary according to local agreements. The position is located at the Division of Engineering Science and Mathematics, Department of Materials Science. The location is Luleå.

For further information, contact: Professor and Subject Representative Kristiina Oksman

Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

This position may be subject to security classification in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585).

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Luleå University of Technology works actively for gender equality and diversity as well as for a creative study and work environment. The university's value base is built on respect, openness, collaboration, trust, and responsibility.

In the event of any discrepancy in interpretation between the Swedish and English versions of the advertisement, the Swedish version shall prevail.

Application

We want you to apply via the application button below, attaching a cover letter, CV, degree certificate, and a two-page research plan focusing on the design, processing, and production of new battery materials.

We encourage applicants to follow the university's instructions for applicants. Note that educational merits should be documented particularly carefully.

Mark your application with the reference number below. Application documents and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Last date for applications: July 1, 2026

Reference number: 3581-2026