Doctoral Student in Textile Technology

We are now seeking a doctoral student in Textile Technology with a focus on textile actuation. Textile actuation is a strong research field at the Swedish School of Textiles with a number of ongoing and completed research projects. Textile activation is about manufacturing fibres and textile materials with the ability to exert mechanical force on their surroundings and/or change their own shape. This is made possible via various physico-chemical mechanisms, some of which are inspired by nature. The field is closely related to the emerging field of soft robotics, as well as assistive technology and materials science.

For a new European project, Softwear, funded by Marie Curie-Skledowska Action (MSCA), we are now seeking a doctoral student in this area. The doctoral student will be part of a European doctoral education programme at the highest international level and will work with top-ranked universities across Europe. Interest in research, the desire to be at the international forefront of research, and creativity are important factors.

Follow the link to read more about the project: Softwear-dn | Softwear-dn.eu

The doctoral student will be part of the Polymer E-textiles research group led by Associate Professor Nils-Krister Persson.

Job description

Doctoral studentship employment includes the following:


• Doctoral education
• Conduct scientific studies regarding textile actuation
• Define and map the possibilities of biomimetics for textile actuation
• Define and map the possibilities of chemically and electrochemically inspired mechanisms for textile actuation
• Development of actuation mechanisms for fibrous form factors
• Development and study of textile materials with actuation functionality
• Manufacture, using textile techniques, of actuating materials, and training others in the use of textiles for actuation
• Serve as textile expertise for colleagues in the doctoral education programme
• Scientific reporting and presentation

The doctoral student will devote at least 80% of their time to doctoral studies and thesis work. Any remaining time relates to departmental duties consisting of teaching at Bachelor's and Master's levels in relevant courses, supervision of degree projects, participation in external projects and other assignments and/or administration.

Qualifications

The position requires a Master's degree in Textile Engineering or a Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering with a Master's degree in Materials Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry or similar field that the employer deems equivalent. Furthermore, to be employed in this position, you must have the following:


• experience of scientific work and scientific writing in addition to one’s education
• solid knowledge and experience of textile processes such as fibre forming, weaving, knitting, and dyeing
• experience of developing textile prototypes, products, or processes
• Basic knowledge of electronics
• good ability to collaborate and take initiative, ability to work in a structured manner, and to be able to prioritise among tasks
• good communicative ability in English, in both speech and writing

Merits for the position are:


• well-executed independent work during one’s education
• documented ability in academic writing
• good performance in courses in mathematics
• knowledge of programming
• experience of working in chemical laboratories
• experience of textile-related teaching

Other

In order to be granted MSCA funding, applicants must, at the time of application, not have been in Sweden for studies or work longer than 12 months during the last 3 years. The applicant must also be within 4 years of their Master's degree (equivalent to full-time research experience) and also not have a doctoral degree in any other field.

Type of employment: Doctoral studentship employment is conducted according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance.
Employment rate: 100%
Start date: 2023-01-01
Location: Borås, Sweden
Reference number: PA 2022/213

Contact 

Information about the project can be provided by Associate Professor Nils-Krister Persson by phone +46 (0)33-435 4283 or email at nils-krister.persson@hb.se Questions about doctoral education can be answered by Director of Studies Eva Gustafsson via email eva.gustafsson@hb.se). For questions regarding employment, contact Head of Department Niina Hernandez by phone +46 (0)33-435 4252 or by email niina.hernandez@hb.se

The trade union representatives are Magnus Sirhed, OFR-ST and Matilda Johansson, Saco-S; they can be reached via the university’s switchboard at +46 (0)33-0 33 435.

Application

You can apply for the position via our website by clicking on “Apply.” 

Write clearly in your application which position you are applying for and include the applicable reference number.  A complete application should include the following electronic documents: 


• Personal letter
• CV
• A research plan, written in English (6-10 pages, 3000-5000 words, excluding reference list)
• Master's thesis
• Any other publications and academic texts
• proof of English language requirements (read more about English language requirements)

More information for you as an applicant can be found on our Job vacancies webpage: How to apply for a job with us 

After the application deadline, no additions can be made electronically. 

Please submit your application at the latest by 28 November.