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.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher in the field of bioproducts

Are you interested in research and working towards the future of fiber materials using the means of fractionation processes and surface chemistry? We are now looking for a motivated co-worker for a team that is passionate about materials and their future perspective.

Your role and goals

The doctoral researcher will be working in a project investigating ways for fractionation of waste textile blends. The starting point is blends of cellulose and polyester. The ambition is to preserve both or at least the cellulose fraction without severe degradation. Establishing efficient fractionation using surface and colloid chemistry principles is central in the project. The aim for the doctoral researcher is to become an expert of fiber products and surface chemistry. The position is available immediately, but the starting date can be negotiated several months ahead.

Your network and team

The position is joined between two research groups. The research group lignocellulose chemistry headed by Prof. Tiina Nypelö and the research group of Bioproduct chemistry headed by Prof. Monika Österberg.

The laboratories are situated within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems. The department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), one of the 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 the leading European 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 experience and ambitions

The candidate is expected to have:

• Recently obtained Master of science in forest products, biomass refining, fiber materials science, surface chemistry, chemistry, or similar
• Good written and oral communication skills in English
• Interest in working in the laboratory, carrying out experiments, measurements, and data analysis

What we offer

Doctoral studies at Aalto University take approximately four years. The candidate will be granted a one-year contract with the possibility of extension. The starting salary for a doctoral researcher is approximately 2600 EUR/month.

If you are chosen for this position, you will apply for the study right in doctoral studies at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. Thus, please check the student information and admission criteria at https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering. In particular, please pay attention to the mandatory skill level in English.

We work in Otaniemi, Espoo. The Otaniemi campus is a thriving and connected community of 100 nationalities, 13 000 students and 4 500 employees. Life at the transformed campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections along the metro line.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our online recruitment system no later than 15.3.2024 using the link on Aalto University’s webpage (“Apply now”). If you are an Aalto employee, please apply via Workday system (internal jobs).
To apply, please include the following documents in English and as a single pdf document:

• 1 page motivation letter specific to this project
• 1 page description of previous relevant research experience
• CV with a possible list of publications and the title of your Master’s thesis
• List of references that we may contact

The position will be filled when a suitable candidate is found.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University - Towards a better world, Aalto People, and Shaping a Sustainable Future. You can also check out our webpage about Aalto and Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package and our new virtual campus experience:  https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/.

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Tiina Nypelö (tiina.nypelo(at)aalto.fi).

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family - it is a safe, politically stable, and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: For international staff | Aalto University 

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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