PhD student position in Plasticization of lignocellulose-based materials

In this PhD position, based at the division of Applied Chemistry at Chalmers, you will learn more about sustainable materials, with focus on lignocellulose-based materials. You will increase your network since this position includes much collaborations with both academia and industry. The position aims to generate knowledge that facilitates development of lignocellulose-based materials with thermoplastic properties to replace fossil-based equivalents. 

Project description
To get lignocellulose-based materials thermoplastic is a challenge. In general, the thermal deformability can be increased by decreasing the glass transition temperature, Tg. A decrease in Tg can be mediated by addition of plasticizers (external plasticizers) or by covalently attaching substituents to the polymer chains (internal plasticization). This project aims to use both approaches to plasticize lignocellulose-based materials, especially plasticization of lignin.

This project is a part of the VINNOVA competence center FibRe (https://www.chalmers.se/en/centres/FibRe/Pages/default.aspx), with several stakeholders from industry as well as academic. This generates large opportunities to create strong networks.

Information about the department
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers has a long tradition of encouraging world leading research in an environment where people develop and create new knowledge. We have on major challenges ranging from basic research to industrial applications. Our research projects are often cross-border and are carried out in close cooperation with industry, institutes and other higher education institutions.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. The position includes research, teaching, supervision of MSc and BSc students, and participation in FibRe activities such as conferences and meetings, group meetings, shared responsibilities for certain instruments, and ability to work in different environments (KTH but also international).

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, we would like you to have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Materials science, Chemical engineering or equivalent. It is meritorious if you have experience and knowledge of lignocellulose materials and processing of polymers.

This position is suitable for graduate students who have a genuine interest in lignocellulose-based materials and polymers, especially lignin as well as to learn more about what determines if a material has thermoplastic properties or not.

You should be proficient in spoken and written English.

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

We offer
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.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210284 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 28 June, 2021