Postdoc in forest-based carbon fibers

This project enables you to:
- gain understanding in the material properties of lignin and cellulose impacting the performance of forest-based carbon fibres
- work closely with experts from RISE and Aalto University
- get/deepen knowledge on nuclear magnetic resonance techniques and magnetic resonance imaging on lignin and cellulose-based blends.

Project description
Forest-based carbon fibers from certified forests have a high value and potential to stimulate new value chains in the area of light-weight composites. These carbon fiber reinforced composites might be used in new business areas, e.g. the transport sector to reduce fuel consumption and increase the range of electric vehicles etc.. Other applications are turbine blades for wind mills, and for sports and leisure.
The aim of the project is to deepen the understanding on how variations in the raw materials affect the fibers and the conversion, and how the process, and consequently the carbon fibers, can be further optimized. A special focus will be on unraveling interesting synergistic effects of combining cellulose and lignin.

The position will be located at the Chemical Engineering division of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering department. The Division of Chemical Engineering includes two units: Chemical Reaction and Process Engineering, Forest Products and Chemical Engineering. We have a wide range of experience and work both experimentally and with modeling. There is a long tradition of working with both fundamental scientific questions and applied problems together with industry. This position is within the unit for Chemical Reaction and Process Engineering.

Major responsibilities
You will participate in research together with experts from RISE and Aalto University on forest-based carbon fibres using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You are expected to learn NMR and MRI, if you don't have prior knowledge and write journal papers and present the results at meetings.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you must hold a doctoral degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or similar awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). You have good presentation and collaborative skills.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
The position as a postdoc is a full-time temporary employment (2 years) that offers an opportunity to qualify for further research positions within academia or industry.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220433 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

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.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 30 September, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Diana Bernin
diana.bernin@chalmers.se

*** 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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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!