PhD student position in Thermoplastic hemicelluloses

The work of the successful candidate, will in this early stage research position, generate knowledge enabling efficient use of biomass originating from agricultural side-streams. The knowledge will contribute to increased use of biomass in plastic-like material. The successful candidate will deepen his/her knowledge on physico-chemical properties of thermoplastic hemicelluloses and enlargen his/her national and international network.

Information about the research and the division]
The sustainability challenges posed by plastics, e.g. contribution to green-house gases, disposal in landfill etc have increased the interest in obtaining material from renewable sources.We have shown that a specific modification of arabinoxylan, a polysaccharide obtained from wheat bran, has potential for use as thermoplastic material. We are now offering an early-stage research position with focus on fundamental physico-chemical knowledge of key factors turning polysaccharides derived from forest and agro-industry thermoplastic.

Concerted efforts aiming at sustainable sourcing and use of plastics is occurring in Sweden why the position offers large networking possibilities on national level. The successful candidate will further collaborate with internationally leading expert on X-ray and neutron techniques.

The Division of Applied Chemistry, where the position has its base, is a division of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering comprising 12 research groups dealing with applied pursues of both 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:
• Perform detailed chemical and physical characterisation of polysaccharides and their modification.
• Produce plastic-like materials from modified polysaccharides.
• Obtain state of the art knowledge of the research front within bioplastics.
• Assure communication between collaborators.
• Publish the findings in scientific journals and communicate them to the scientific community.
• Teach on undergraduate level.
• Participate in the activities of the Division of Applied Chemistry.

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

Qualifications
Master of Science degree in chemistry, physics, food science, materials science or similar. The position is suitable for chemists, physicists, food science and material scientists. However, a basic level of knowledge of working in a chemistry lab is required from all applicants.

Mandatory experiences and skills include experimental laboratory work and scientific writing skills.
Experience of polymer, polysaccharide or hemicellulose characterisation (from physico-chemical point of view), their use or biodegradability is a plus. The candidate must also 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.

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.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210035 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, eg. 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: 26 February, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Anna Ström, Applied chemistry
E-mail: anna.strom@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 721885101

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”.

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!