PhD student position in bio-based materials

Are you interested in how bio-based polymers could be transformed into light-weight materials? In this PhD project, materials science meets wood-based raw materials and biotechnology. The project is in collaboration with experienced researchers from several universities, and is a great opportunity for both developing collaborative skills and doing cutting-edge research.

Information about the project and the division
The project is focused on development of wood fibers into porous materials. The work will be done in an interdisciplinary and international research project that includes researches in the fields of bio-based materials, biotechnology, chemistry, composites, and transport and sports applications. You will focus on bio-based materials but work also within the topic of biotechnology. The long-term goal is to establish light-weight materials for vehicle and sports industries. The project is funded by the European Commission Horizon2020 program.

The Division of Applied Chemistry is a division of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering comprising 12 research groups dealing with applied pursues of organic and inorganic materials. The 12 research groups work together in a dynamic consensus targeting applications in consumable and specialty products. Our goal is to maintain the high quality of research and implement the same passion to teaching. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidates will be expected to:
• Conduct experimental work in the laboratory towards realizing the goals of the research project
• Work as a part of a team in the project and in associated research groups at Chalmers
• Learn how to write and publish the findings in scientific journals and communicate them to the scientific (and industrial) communities
• Participate in the activities of the Division of Applied Chemistry at Chalmers.

Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. Your research will be supervised by senior researchers at the involved departments. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to up to 10 percent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of four years.

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that has interest in experimental work in the laboratory. You should have a creative mindset and be curious. The practical work will require ability to comply to an experimental plan, execute it, report and reflect the progress in relation to the overall project. The project targets materials applications and will rely on sound fundamental science to do so.

The position requires a MSc degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education (ECTS) credits in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or similar.

Mandatory experiences and skills include experimental laboratory work and interest in scientific writing. The candidate must also be proficient in spoken and written English. You will be required to be willing and able to work as a part of an interdisciplinary team.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

READ MORE AND APPLY HERE

Application deadline: 31 January, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Tiina Nypelö, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
E-mail: tiina.nypelo@chalmers.se

Information about the department:
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers and covers a large array of research from basic to applied. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials, solar cells and fuels, high temperature corrosion, and catalysis. The Department is heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg. Our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.