Vacant job

We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher in soft electronics, located at the Department of Science and Technology, Campus Norrköping.

Subject Area

The Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE, https://www.liu.se/loe (https://www.liu.se/loe)) at Linköping University is a world-leading research environment within organic, printed, bio-, and soft electronics. The current position is part of a project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) titled “Biowaste-Based Stretchable Sensor Modules for Sustainable Plant Wearables,” which aims to develop sustainable, stretchable, and biodegradable sensor systems for plant-worn use in precision agriculture.

The project addresses a central challenge in modern agricultural technology: enabling continuous monitoring of plant health while minimizing environmental impact. By upcycling agricultural biowaste into functional electronic materials, we are developing biodegradable substrates, stretchable conductive inks, and multimodal sensor systems to measure growth, microclimate, and stress responses in plants.

The research combines materials science, printed electronics, stretchable electronics, bioelectronics, and sustainable manufacturing to create next-generation plant-worn sensor technologies.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment and collaborate with both academic and industrial partners, nationally and internationally.

Your Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, your primary role will be to conduct research. The duties may also include teaching, accounting for no more than 20% of working hours.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Development of biodegradable and stretchable substrates based on nanocellulose and other bio-based materials
• Formulation and optimization of stretchable conductive inks based on biochar and conductive composites
• Manufacturing of electronic components and sensor systems using solution-based and printing techniques
• Characterization of materials and components regarding structure, morphology, mechanical, electrical, electrochemical, optical, and electromechanical properties
• Development and evaluation of multimodal sensors for plant-worn applications (strain, air humidity, temperature, and volatile organic compounds)
• Experimental testing of sensors on plant models under controlled conditions
• Analysis and interpretation of results, including publication in scientific journals and presentation at international conferences
• Collaboration with national and international research partners

Your Qualifications

A PhD degree or equivalent foreign degree is required for the position of postdoctoral researcher. The degree must be awarded no later than at the time of the employment decision.

It is advantageous if the PhD degree was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline, unless special circumstances apply, such as statutory leave.

Requirements for employment:

• PhD in materials science, (applied) physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Documented experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Organic or printed electronics
  • Stretchable or wearable electronics
  • Functional materials and composites
  • Sensors and sensor systems
  • Sustainable materials and components
• Practical experience in material processing and characterization
• Ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results
• Very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing

Advantageous qualifications:

• Experience with conductive polymers, nanocellulose, biochar, or biocomposites
• Experience with printing techniques such as screen printing or other solution-based methods
• Experience in mechanical and electromechanical characterization of soft materials
• Experience in sensor technology (gas, humidity, plant sensors), bioelectronics, or precision agriculture
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and international environments

We are looking for a motivated and curious researcher with strong problem-solving skills and a strong interest in sustainable electronic materials and systems. You are independent, proactive, and have good collaboration skills. You can communicate well and drive research projects forward.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your Workplace

You will work under the supervision of Associate Professor Nara Kim within the research group Soft Electronics (https://liu.se/forskning/laboratoriet-for-organisk-elektronik/mjuk-elektronik) (led by Professor Klas Tybrandt) at LOE.

The research group develops materials, components, and concepts for soft and stretchable electronic systems. The activities include, among other things, wearable electronics, bioelectronics, energy storage, and neural interfaces.

LOE is an internationally leading research environment with approximately 175 researchers and doctoral students within 13 research groups. The activities range from basic research to applications and commercialization, offering access to advanced infrastructure.

Location: Campus Norrköping, Linköping University.

About the Position

The position is fixed-term for two years with the possibility of extension up to a total of three years. Full-time.

Start: Autumn 2026 or by agreement.

Salary and Benefits

Linköping University applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with the current collective agreement (RALS/RALS-T) and the university's guidelines for salary formation.

The starting salary for postdoctoral researchers at LOE is approximately 42,500 SEK/month before tax.

At Linköping University, you are offered, among other things:

• At least 28 days of paid vacation
• Parental leave according to the collective agreement
• Occupational pension

Read more about benefits for employees https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner)

Union Representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande).

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than August 7, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is obvious to safeguard everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with equal treatment (https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/).

Welcome with your application!

Linköping University has procured agreements and declines direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.