Assistant professor with tenure track in Lignin science and technology

This position is an exciting opportunity to take the lignin science and processing to the next generation of process solutions and material applications by combining the collaborative set up of the world leading Wallenberg Wood Science Center with the multidisciplinary lignin research at Chalmers. A generous start up package of at least 10 million SEK will be provided along with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure such as the Swedish NMR center, Materials Analysis Laboratory and the MAX IV synchrotron facility.

We are looking for a colleague with a strong international research profile that will focus on new processing solutions for lignin, whether through primary separation (separation from the wood tissue), fractionation or functionalization strategies.

Information about the division and the research
At the Division of Forest Products and Chemical Engineering, part of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, a higly multidisciplinary approach to valorization of forest biomass is applied. It is ranging from chemistry and technology of traditional pulping processes to novel routes of separating, fractionating and functionalizing forest biomass components in the spirit of biorefinery and biomaterials development. Apart from extensive collaboartions with the forest industry, the presence of the world-leading Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) has during the past 13 years strengthened the collaborative environment and facilitated access to extensive research infrastructure.

The vision of 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 is an essential component. The Wallenberg Wood Science Center is now seeking to hire an Assistant Professor who will be located at the Division of Forest Products and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers and will focus on lignin utilization through processing, i.e. recovery from the forest biomass (primary separation), further fractionation (secondary separation) and/or functionalization.

Major responsibilities
We are looking for a colleague who will build her/his own independent research group, in line with the intentions described in the application and will complement our competences and create synergies with Chalmers and WWSC while being actively involved in activities and collaborations within the WWSC.

You will contribute with:
• Active engagement in research, development of a distinct and independent line of research through independent research projects.
• Actively contributing to chemical engineering education on all levels.
• Supervising masters and doctoral students.
• acquiring 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
We are looking for a colleague who is interested in building a research group focused on lignin recovery (primary separation), characterization and further valorization through fractionation (secondary separation) and/or functionalization.

You have: 
• A doctoral degree (not older than 7 years prior to the application deadline) and have conducted research that has been published/presented in accordance with relevant and reputable publishing channels. 
• 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 applying for research funding. A demonstrated ability to have research funding granted is a meritorious additional qualification.
• Demonstrated the ability to create a national and international network in their field of study, for example through co-authoring.
• A post-doctoral stay or equivalent experience, normally at a university, institute or organisation other than where you received your doctoral degree.
• Demonstrated an interest in and potential for education, through for example, a teaching experience.

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
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10668&rmlang=UK


Application deadline: 9 January, 2023