Postdoc scholarship in Polymer Technology: Functional lignin materials
KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key Centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education cover a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.
The workplace
Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Division of Polymer Technology www.kth.se/fpt/polymer-technology
Project description
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher interested in developing novel lignin-based materials from extraction to application. The postdoc will be involved in a larger project aiming to reveal fundamental understanding over correlations between biomass type, extraction, lignin structure at different levels and performance, with the ultimate aim to release the full potential of lignin and its structural richness for development of advanced materials. The project will contribute to circular bioeconomy by untapping the hidden potential of lignin through new structural control and understanding. The postdoc will work at the Division of Polymer Technology and be part of a larger collaborative project between KTH, Stockholm University and Linköping University “From atomistic to macroscopic understanding: unravelling lignin’s untapped potential as earth’s most abundant natural phenolic compound” funded by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Qualifications
Requirements,
A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
The applicant is expected to be a curious and ambitious person, highly motivated with the ability to work independently and in collaborative projects. The applicant must be able to critically evaluate the performed work and have strong communication skills, both oral and written. Previous knowledge and experience in polymer synthesis, modification, characterization and processing, dynamic covalent chemistry, lignin chemistry and/or characterization of complex chemical structures is an advantage.
Application
Apply to this scholarship by e-mail to hr@cbh.kth.se . You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than 2026-01-31. Mark your application with reference number HS-2025-2772.
The application must include the following documents:
-
Curriculum vitae
-
Cover letter (detailing both your previous scientific work experience and your interest in this position)
-
Research statement (max 2 pages)
-
Contact information for three references
Please observe that you apply for a scholarship, not an employment.
It may be the case that a scholarship candidate at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for scholarshipcandidate is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
About the position/positions
Period: 24 months
Extent: 100%
Number of positions: 1
scholarship: 28 000 SEK
Location: Stockholm
EU Citizens on scholar or private funding need to bring a certificate showing EHIC insurance (a comprehensive medical- and health insurance) from the home country, which must cover during the full stay in Sweden.
Without this certificate you may only remain three months in Sweden and will not be able to register as a residence in Sweden.
The responsibility for the comprehensive insurance is strictly on the applicant.
Contact
Professor Minna Hakkarainen, minna@kth.se
We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.