Doktoral student in Forest industry production systems

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Linnaeus University, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, is searching for applicants for a 4-year full-time PhD position in Forest industry production systems - Wood and Natural Polymer Technology with specialization in wood-based composites. The employment include research education up to a PhD degree in Wood and Natural Polymer Technology with subject field the dimensional stabilization of wood-based composites (particleboards and fibreboards) through the study and implementation of renewable hydrophobic formulations and the improvement of water tolerance of new bio-adhesives.

The Swedish Higher Education Act indicates that a person employed as a PhD student shall mainly devote themselves to their studies. The candidate may, however, work with education, research and administration in a limited capacity. Such compulsory work may not comprise more than 20% of the total working time. The total employment period may, however, not exceed the time corresponding to full-time third-cycle study for four years.

Field of subject for the appointment: Forest industry production systems - Wood and Natural Polymer Technology with specialization in wood-based composites

Placement city: Växjö, Sweden

Job description
In the past years a lot of research has been devoted to find alternatives to adhesives, especially those based on carcinogenic formaldehyde, following the pressure for more sustainable wood products and for reduced formaldehyde emissions from the final product. For panel industries more sustainable and petrol independent adhesive products cannot, as of yet, justify the increase in cost. Nevertheless, a number of such adhesives are struggling to reach the requirements of board industry. Adhesives from natural origin such as starch and proteins are typically very hydrophilic, and thus suffer from low water tolerances.

Hydrophobation of composites manufactured with conventional formaldehyde-based adhesives is generally improved with the proper application of water-repellent formulations. However, these formulations come with a relatively high cost as by-products of the oil distillation process. It is therefore desirable to develop low-cost and effective substitutes from renewable sources. The project aims also at increasing the water tolerance of the new bio-based adhesive systems. To achieve the goals, a close co-operation with the wood-based panel industry has been secured.

Requirements
A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she has


• a completed degree at Master’s (second-cycle) level
• at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 are at Master’s level, or
• generally equivalent knowledge acquired by other means, inside or outside Sweden.

Specific requirements
Specific prerequisites for admission to graduate studies in Forestry Industry Production Systems are required.


• a minimum of 90 higher education credits in the subject forestry industry production systems or in subjects related graduate studies at the doctoral level, or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other manner either in Sweden or abroad, and
• a good command of Swedish and/or English.

Assessment grounds
Other assessment criteria are


• grades of courses taken and quality of project works within wood and fiber science and technology, and natural and synthetic polymers technology,
• scientific publications in the research area,
• working experience relevant for the research studies,
• interest in co-operating closely with the industry,
• interest in participating in teaching and other activities at the department

The selection of candidates is made with regard to the applicant’s ability to successfully complete and benefit from their studies at the graduate level.

Read more and apply at https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/work-at-the-university/ no later than 11 of november 2016.


Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.