Postdoctoral Researcher on high performance lignocellulosic materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Fiber Science and Communication Network (FSCN) is a multi-disciplinary research center at Mid Sweden University. FSCN carries out research that creates new application areas and business opportunities for materials from sustainably managed forest. The position is in the high-yield pulp research group, which is composed of about 15 researchers and PhD students, many of whom are industrial PhD students. The research focuses on increasing fundamental knowledge of wood as a raw material and developing more efficient process technology as well asnew or improved products. The research area is of great importance for the forest industry worldwide, because high-yield pulps are used in many paper products, including everything from packaging material and printing paper to hygiene products. We combine fundamental materials research on the physical and chemical properties of the fibre and wood matrix with process engineering research on basic understanding of the unit operations.

We were recently awarded funding for research on new products and materials that can be manufactured from high-yield pulps, as well as for research on process intensification. The position is funded with these resources and is located at Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall. Parts of the research work will be carried out in collaboration with companies such as SCA, Valmet, Stora Enso and Holmen.  

Job Description: Research (80-100%) and teaching (0-20%) can be included as needed.  

Requirements and Assessment: For this position, we are looking for people who received a PhD within the last five years in chemical engineering, organic chemistry (wood chemistry), polymer chemistry, material science or related fields. We are looking for a person with good knowledge in the field of wood polymer properties and more specifically in lignin chemistry related to aspects of wood fiber softening and swelling mechanisms. It is also important to have general knowledge of pulp and paper technology. Applicants must be able to independently formulate and carry out experiments, and to contribute within the context of an interdisciplinary applied R&D team. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required.  

Terms and Conditions of Employment: Postdoctoral fellow, 2-year (1 + 1).  

Location: Sundsvall  

Start date: August 27, 2018, or by agreement.

For further information, please contact Professor Per Engstrand (per.engstrand@miun.se) and Dr. Gunilla Pettersson, (gunilla.pettersson@miun.se) for project information and Professor Erik Hedenström, (erik.hedenstrom@miun.se) for departmental information.  

Salary: Individual salary setting 

The application must contain (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) transcripts and diplomas, (3) a letter that describes your research interests and career goals. You are welcome to submit your application via our recruitment system no later than July 31, 2018.