PhD-Wood biopolymers of extraction solutions

Wallenberg Wood Science Center is seeking a PhD student to study wood biopolymers and the recovery of extraction solutions with placement at KTH, Stockholm, Sweden Wallenberg Wood Science Center is a joint research center established with KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden and Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, as participants.The annual budget exceeds 40 MSEK and at least 50 people will participate.The objective is underpinning materials research for utilization of our forests in new products, such as "green" polymers and biocomposite materials.The tree is viewed as a source of chemicals, monomers, biopolymers and fibers.Recent advances in nanotechnology, polymer science, biotechnology and mechanics are being combined with established forest products technologies in a new multidisciplinary research center located in Stockholm and in Gothenburg.Research project The new Wallenberg Center is seeking a PhD student to be examined in the Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology.The student will work on: 1) Modification of existing ultrafiltration pilot plant.Evaluation of the newly developed ceramic membranes for pre-separation of wood polymers 2) Optimization of process parameters for pre-separation of wood polymers 3) Optimization of process parameters for the use of ceramic membranes in internal-process loop in the chemo-enzymatic process.Your responsibilities will include developing systems for recovering of the new process liquors, studying the membrane filtration of wood polymers and the recovery of extraction solutions and developing techniques to clean up polymers from the solution.You will be participating in international conferences and at meetings at Chalmers in Gothenburg, which means some travel and working together with chemists and graduate students from other disciplines.You will also be working in the laboratory and creating your own schedule. Qualifications MSc degree or bachelor's degree, focus on chemical engineering is preferred.Experience of various filtering techniques is a preference.Practical experience such a summer job in the laboratory or similar is preferred.Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is a must.We are looking for candidates with co-operational and problem-solving analysis skills, high quality-consciousness, the ability to work autonomously and the ability to work hard and put time, energy and commitment into your work.Excellent skills in both oral and written presentation are required. Employment Form of employment: Time limited position Starting date: Immediately Application This recruitment is performed by Academic Work Recruitment, but you will be employed by Wallenberg Wood Science Center.Specify ref JJ35646 and K-2009-0172 in the subject line.The application shall include curriculum vitae, final grades, a short description of future professional goals and interests, and names of 2 references.