Postdoc in Extraction and modification of arabinoxylan

In this study, your work will generate knowledge enabling efficient use of biomass originating from agricultural side-streams. This will contribute to increased use of biomass in plastic-like material. You will deepen your knowledge on physico-chemical properties of thermoplastic hemicelluloses.

Information about the research and the division
The sustainability challenges posed by plastics, e.g. contribution to green-house gases, disposal in landfill and littering, needs to be solved, as nations head towards circular bioeconomy. We have shown that a specific modification of arabinoxylan, obtained from wheat bran, has potential for use as thermoplastic material. We are now offering a post-doc position with focus on fundamental physico-chemical knowledge of key factors turning polysaccharides derived from agro-industry thermoplastic.

Concerted efforts aiming at sustainable sourcing and use of plastics is occurring in Sweden, why the position offers networking possibilities on national level.

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:
•Extract and modify arabinoxylan from wheat bran.
•Chemically characterize extracted and modified arabinoxylan.
•Physically characterize the modified arabinoxylan and its plastic-like material.
•Assure communication between collaborators.
•Publish the findings in scientific journals and communicate them to the scientific community.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, we would like you to have a PhD degree in chemistry, physics, food science, materials science or similar. The degree should generally not be older than three years.

The position is suitable for chemists, physicists, food science and material scientists. However, a solid 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 polysaccharide or hemicellulose characterisation (from chemical and physico-chemical point of view).

You 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 20210113 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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 research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. .

Application deadline: 30 March, 2021

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

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