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 Life-inspired Soft Matter group is looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in 3D printing of bio-inspired hydrogels

Funded by the prestigious ERC Starting Grant, a postdoctoral position is available from January 2025 at the Life-inspired Soft Matter (LiSoM), Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (School of Chemical Engineering) at Aalto University.

Our research focuses on developing hydrogel materials with novel bio-inspired functionalities, designed from the molecular level and fabricated with sophisticated technologies. Our highly interdisciplinary team provides an inspiring environment for international researchers from different fields to broaden their perspective and to get involved in intriguing cutting-edge research.

Your role and goals

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work with us on the design and 3D printing of bio-inspired hydrogels, involving designing 3D functional geometries, optimizing hydrogel compositions, and printing 3D functional geometries. The goal is to develop hydrogels with functions mimicking natural systems.

Scientific environment

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.

Requirements

• Recently obtained PhD (within five years) in mechanical engineering, chemistry, material science or related fields, preferably with 3D printing experiences
• Excellent track record of study
• Good English & team working skills

Skills, knowledge or interest in some of the following areas are highly appreciated:

• 3D printing
• Microcontact molding
• Functional structural design of materials

What we offer

We offer a highly interdisciplinary working environment with chemists, physicists, and material scientists, with challenging and interesting topics related to bio-inspired soft matter, intelligent hydrogels, etc. The lab is equipped with top-level material research instrument. More information of our group can be found in: www.zhangslab.com

The candidate will be granted fixed-term contract for 2 years. The expected starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 3900-4100 EUR/month depending on experience.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit the following application materials in English through the ’Apply’ link at the latest on 11. November 2024.

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are submitted, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The application should include the following:

• Cover letter
• CV, incl. list of publications
• Transcripts (Bachelor, Master and PhD)
• Names and contact details of 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 Dr. Hang Zhang (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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