Postdoc position in development of sustainable materials

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.Division of Materials Science, with about 60 employees, is a leading institution in bio-based composite materials and their processing, structural characterization, and applications. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc with a PhD-degree for development of functional carbon materials from bioresources from north.

Subject description
Wood and Bionanocomposites covers the development of energyefficient manufacturing processes of eco-friendly composite materials and products based on various biofibers in nano- and micrometer scale.

Project description
The project focuses on sustainable electronics in which the major materials, i.e., plastics and metals, are replaced with their renewable counterparts. For this purpose, conductive biocarbon based on lignin are merged with cellulosic substrates, both of which are derived from northern bioresources, to create disposable electronic devices such as antenna sensors, reflecting surfaces and wearables.

Our part in the project is dealing with experimental procedures for development of functional carbon nanomaterials with large specific surface and suitable carbon structure from bio-based and renewable low-cost precursor materials, such as lignin and cellulose nanomaterials using electrospinnig, and their fabrication to biocarbon targeting conductivity. The carbon materials structure and properties are studied using advanced characterization methods and materials are prepared for the partners to be tested in electronic devices. The project is a collaboration project between academic and industrial partners in Northern Sweden and Finland and co-funded by European Union Interreg Aurora project.

Duties
As a postdoc your main focus is research. You are responsible for develop novel green carbon-based materials from lignin and cellulose which are tested in different electronic applications by the project partners in Interreg Aurora. You are expected to work closely with other members in the group and collaborate with the academic and industrial partners in Sweden and Finland. In addition to research works, you are going to be involved in writing of publications and dissemination of project results.

Qualification
In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in materials science, materials chemistry or equivalent by the start date of the appointment. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.

You have a strong capacity to work independently, including designing and conducting experiments, preparing a high-quality scientific presentations and publications is important. You also have strong communication and cooperation skills and ability to work as part of a team. You have good skills in spoken and written English. In the appointment process, special attention will be given to your research skills.

Preferred qualification:


• Experience biobased materials such as cellulose nanofibers, lignin
• Experience on electrospinning or ice-templating of nanocellulose or polymers
• Experience in advanced characterization methods, electron microscopy, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, BET

Further information
Full-time fixed term employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension, with placement in Luleå, Sweden. Starting: 2023-04-01 or as per agreement.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Prof. Kristiina Oksman, +46 70 358 5371, Kristiina.oksman@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se and OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

In your application, please include contact detail for 2-3 references, publications in support of your application (no more than three files), as well as copy from PhD diploma, a list of courses and grades, and if you have, letters of recommendation (no more than three files). In your cover letter or CV write you language skills and motivate why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement, why and how you wish to complete the project and what makes you suitable for the project in question.

Closing date for applications: March 10, 2023
Reference number: 662-2023