Assistant professor with tenure track in Lignin science and technology

Chalmers brings together education, research and innovation across our departments. In our mind, this is the key to be able to successfully meet the needs of society and contribute to a sustainable future. We are now seeking creative women and men for Assistant Professorships in fields that will further our vision of a sustainable future. Each researcher will have the chance to design a unique and autonomous research programme, networking with specialists, students and entrepreneurs across disciplines and departments. Additionally, successful candidates will receive a support package of at least 10 million SEK covering an assistant professor salary during four years, a four year PhD student position, a two year post doc position, relocation support, a leadership programme and other expenses related to the position.

We also provide access to state-of-the-art infrastructure such as Swedish NMR center, Materials Analysis Laboratory and with the MAX IV facility.

Assistant professor in Lignin science and technology
The vision for the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) is to make an impact on society and contribute to sustainability through excellence in developing materials, chemicals and devices, as well as associated processes based on forest biomass. In that context, utilization of lignin comprises characterization and processing aiming at development of light-weight materials, multifunctional materials/composites and materials for sustainable energy systems, e.g. solar cells, batteries and thermoelectric materials. For this position particularly, we are looking for a candidate who will focus on lignin utilization through processing, i.e. recovery from the forest biomass (primary separation), further fractionation (secondary separation) and/or functionalization.

Lignin science at Chalmers is anchored in a long tradition of outstanding research since the 1960s. It covers a broad perspective and includes all the important elements of advanced material research based on the wood biorefinery concept: recovery from wood, structural characterization, processing, theory and modelling and evaluation. The strength of the environment lies in the broad spectrum of research topics (recovery and separation, structural characterization, composites, devices), and in the fact that many programs span the complete range from curiosity driven research to applications and devices. The breadth of the research provides a readiness to take on new challenges faced by society and a basis for a close collaboration with industry. This position is an exciting opportunity to take the lignin science and processing to the next generation of process solutions and material applications.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate will conduct research, in line with the intentions described in the application. You will complement rather than duplicate our existing competences. You have an ambition to create synergies between our existing research groups.

You will contribute with:
- Active engagement in research, developing a distinct line of research through independent research projects.
- Actively contributing to chemical engineering education on all levels.
- Supervising masters and doctoral students.
- Applying for external research funding.
- Participating in joint departmental and university-wide undertakings.
- Participating in international collaborations on a high scientific level.
- Collaborating with research groups within and outside of Chalmers.

Contract terms
The appointment as Assistant Professor is a four-year, entry-level, faculty position with tenure track, whereby you will acquire both pedagogical and research qualifications. Each new assistant professor at Chalmers is a strategic recruitment.  An assistant professor is expected to improve her or his ability to formulate and solve scientific problems, to publish scientific articles, and to develop abilities in teaching and supervision, by means of both practical training and independent study. One assessment will be conducted after two years, and an additional assessment for granting tenure will be conducted in conjunction with the period of appointment reaching its conclusion. The aim is to achieve the level of Associate Professor within four years and, if successful, the employee will be offered a permanent faculty position at Chalmers.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you have a doctoral degree in a relevant field not older than 7 years prior to the application deadline. Exceptions can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave or military service.

You have also extensive experience in research relating to lignin recovery (primary separation) and/or lignin characterization and further valorization through fractionation (secondary separation) and/or lignin functionalization.

Experience of chemical engineering and separation techniques is considered a merit. You are open-minded and interested in collaborating across borders within and outside Chalmers. Teamwork, leadership, organizational and entrepreneurial skills are advantages.

For a full description of the qualification requirements for an Assistant professor position at Chalmers, please consult our Appointment regulations, Chapter 6.4.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
Read more and apply here:  https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10668


Application deadline: 15 August, 2022