Postdoc position in the field of Biomass processing and biomaterials development

Substituting biomaterials for plastic is an important contributor to a sustainable society and a biobased economy. We aim at exploiting agroindustrial waste- and side-streams to produce cellulose nanofibers, CNF, using enzyme technology and avoid environmentally unfriendly chemicals. Further, we wish to address problems of incorporating CNF in suitable matrices as we develop biocomposite materials. Section of Plant Glycobiology, PLEN, thus invites applicants for a postdoc position in cellulose nanofiber-based biocomposites, a joint project with the Danish Technical University (DTU) and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA). Employment will be for two years. This multidisciplinary project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The postdoc will address CNF delignification and develop enzymatic methods for CNF surface modification. Expression of new enzymes for processing will be done with our partners at DTU while incorporation of CNF in biocomposites will be carried out in close collaboration with our EMPA partner. While the project is clearly mission oriented, the postdoc will also address basic plant cell wall architecture problems as cell wall architecture is both an obstacle and a source of inspiration for biocomposite design.

The postdoc’s duties will further comprise supervision of a PhD-student and teaching in relevant courses.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://plen.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to professor Peter Ulvskov, [email protected]

The position is open from  1 April or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – relate your research experience to the problems of environmentally friendly delignifaction and cellulose nanofiber biocomposite design.
• Complete publication list
• Reprints of up to 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Monday 23 January 2023, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process athttps://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews will be held in the week  8  February 2023.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.