Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors, and more than 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

The Bioproduct Chemistry group is looking for a motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher with strong knowledge of surface chemistry of lignocellulosics

Your network and team

The Bioproduct Chemistry research group, led by Prof. Monika Österberg, works on the development of renewable, high added-value materials based on lignocellulosics. Read more about the international research group’s focus areas and newest publications here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-bioproducts-and-biosystems/bioproduct-chemistry.

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (BIO2), one of three departments in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, has an internationally leading reputation in basic and applied research for the development of advanced materials from natural resources. It is one of Europe’s leading research and higher education institutions in the field of sustainable chemistry and engineering based on the utilization of renewable resources. BIO2 aims to contribute to the development of novel solutions to move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce materials with fewer inputs, less environmental impact, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Within bioscience, the department has research in bioprocess technology, molecular biotechnology, enzyme technology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biomolecular, and biohybrid materials. Other strengths of the department include sustainable materials and products based on lignocellulose, ranging from nanomaterials to novel cellulose-based textiles.

Your role and goals

The group is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with high scientific ambition and a background in surface and colloid chemistry of lignocellulosics. The group has several ongoing projects in the field, ranging from biobased barrier materials, textile recycling to biomedical applications of nanocellulose. You are expected to divide your time between pursuing your own research and instructing MSc students and doctoral candidates with planning of experiments and writing of scientific papers. You are also expected to apply for research funding.

What we offer

We offer a two-year postdoctoral position with possibility for continuation. The project is part of the FinnCERES Flagship in materials bioeconomy and therefore offers networking and collaboration opportunities with other research groups at Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, as well as company partners. See the FinnCERES website here: https://www.finnceres.fi/about.

The expected starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 3960-4100 EUR/month depending on experience.

Your experience and ambitions

The candidate should already have a PhD in chemistry (received in the last three years, with allowance for parental leaves or similar absences). You should especially have knowledge of surface science and excellent writing and communications skills. Previous experience with emulsions, nanoparticles from lignin, bark or cellulose, or surface sensitive techniques are assets, but the group is open to building on your solid knowledge of surface chemistry. A high motivation for research and science are essential.

Practical experience of using surface sensitive tools such as QCM-D, SPR, AFM, or in developing and characterizing hydrogels, and emulsions are highly desirable.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit the following application materials in English through the ’Apply’ link by 20.1.2025.

The application (in English) should include the following documents combined into one single pdf file:

• a cover letter
• a CV  
• a list of publications
• a brief description of previous work related to colloid chemistry of lignocellulosics as well as current research interests
• names and contact details of two references

Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via the internal HR system Workday (keyword Find Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).

For more information

For additional information, please contact Prof. Monika Österberg (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

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