The workplace

Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) is a research center which started in 2009 and is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation. WWSC is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Chalmers, KTH and Linköping University striving for scientific excellence, and the overall aim is to develop new materials from trees. The mission of the center is to create knowledge and competence as a basis for eco-friendly materials for the future. The forest industry is supporting WWSC via the national platform Treesearch. For more information: www.wwsc.se  and www.kth.se/fpt

Project description

Malmström´s research group ( www.kth.se/fpt/coating-technology/research/malmstrom-group-1.911859 ) is currently recruiting a postdoc in “polymerization for functional biopolymer systems” funded by the Wallenberg Wood Science Center. The successful candidate will join Malmström´s team and work in close collaboration with the rest of the coating-technology team to especially interact with Assoc. Prof. Per-Olof Syrén (on synthetic biology) and Wallenberg Wood Science Center. During a successful project, research collaborations with Wallenberg Wood Science Center at Linköping University specializing on Composites for energy and electronics derived from wood resources, will be established.

The main goal of this multidisciplinary project is to utilize wood biopolymers and/or polymerization of low-molecular weight wood derivatives to accomplish (functional) polymers that may find use in thin film applications. The bio-based films can either be used to tailor the interfacial adhesion between nano-/microscopic fibrils/fibers and a surrounding composite matrix or to accomplish functional coatings that provides conductivity, insulation or redox-behavior.

The position will be placed at the Division of Coating Technology, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology and Wallenberg Woods Science Center at KTH and will benefit from close collaboration with the entire Wallenberg Wood Science Center and the Swedish industry. This postdoc position is a full-time scholarship position for one year. The ideal starting date would be October 2020.

Qualifications

Requirements

A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.

The applicant must have completed a doctoral degree in polymer technology, polymer chemistry, coating technology, or corresponding areas. In-depth knowledge in polymerization chemistry and experience of working with wood biopolymers and/or polymerization of bio-renewable monomer are highly beneficial. Hands-on experience from typical polymer characterization techniques such as NMR, SEC, DSC and TGA as well as competences in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry and organic chemistry are of merit for this position. Experience of interdisciplinary scientific work is moreover a plus.

The candidate should have well developed analytical and problem solving skills. Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability. The candidate should have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Application

Apply to this scholarship by e-mail to kajsau@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 2020-07-13. Mark your application with reference number C-2020-1269.

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.

About the position/positions

Period: 1 year

Extent: Full-time

Amount of scholarship: based on KTH scholarship policy

Location: Stockholm

Contact

Eva Malmström Jonsson, Professor

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Coating Technology,

School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH)

E-mail: mavem@kth.se

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