Postdoc in BioGlue: Adhesion mechanisms in biobased wood adhesives

Job description

The BioGlue Center is a network of excellence in the field of bio-based wood glues, in collaboration with 3 universities (SLU, KTH and LnU) and 12 companies from different industrial sectors that all share the same research questions regarding glue and gluing. The centre's vision is to become a world-leading research environment through the development of paradigm-shifting knowledge about bio-based wood adhesives in three research areas: raw materials and formulations, aspects of adhesives, as well as end-use requirements and sustainability.

This project aims to create molecular understanding of adhesion mechanisms in bio-based wood adhesives. Anyone applying for this postdoc position should have good knowledge of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and documented experience in surface chemistry. It is an advantage if you have knowledge of biopolymers and/or pulp/paper technology and experience in processing of soft materials. Suitable background for this position is a doctoral degree in surface chemistry, organic chemistry or polymer chemistry, polymer technology, macromolecular materials, soft materials or equivalent. The work in the project will consist of adhesion measurements at different length scales, from molecular interactions to evaluation of glue joints between different wood-based materials. The work will also contain synthesis and modification of different molecules. The work is supported by a large amount of advanced lab equipment and instruments and many qualified colleagues.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who wants to be at the forefront of research and create new technology for biobased wood adhesives for a sustainable future.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment.
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

The candidate we are looking for must have the following knowledge and skills. In order to be able to fulfill his duties within the postdoctoral position, as well as to be able to cooperate well with other members of the research group and other collaboration partners, the applicant must:

• have a doctoral degree in surface chemistry or fibre and polymer science or equivalent or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• be able to speak and write scientific English and speak English fluently, since it is required in daily work.
• have documented ability to summarize research results in written and oral presentation.

As a person you are:

• able to take your own initiatives
• independent
• structured
• meticulous

You have a high level of:

• scientific skills
• pedagogical ability
• ability to collaborate
• as well as high awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Knowledge and practical experience of surface chemistry, surface characterization, synthesis, polymerization processes is advantageous.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad. Evaluation and interviews will take place on an ongoing basis, but no decision will be made before the application deadline has passed. 

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here