Doctoral Researcher in Textile Chemistry

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, 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 Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering is looking for a

PhD student in Textile Chemistry

The Textile Chemistry group in the department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (http://bio2.aalto.fi/en/ ) develops new environmentally-friendly textile coloration and finishing methods. The current research projects include (a) developing waterless salt-free reactive dyeing of cellulose, (b) synthesizing the next generation of reactive dyes, (c) functionalizing cellulose with reactive and polymerizable agents, (d) developing biobased nonwovens with water repellency and antimicrobial properties, and (e) conductive textiles.  The researchers in our group come from different backgrounds (e.g., textile chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering).  The Textile Chemistry group was established in 2021 by Associate Professor Ali Tehrani (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8206-3827).

We have an opening for a PhD student to join our vibrant group and develop an environmentally-friendly textile post-treatment method.  The research work may include:

• Synthesis and purification of organic dyes and finishing agents

• Study physical-chemical properties of the synthesized chemicals

• Functionalization of cellulose with various chemicals including reactive dyes, hydrophobizing agents, and antimicrobial agents

• Optimization of the cellulose functionalization process

• Investigating the physical-chemical properties and durability of the functionalized cellulose

Requirements

• A relevant master’s degree awarded by a university with a very good GPA

• Educational background in textile, organic, polymer, or applied chemistry (or related fields)

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills

• Excellent communications skills appropriate for interacting with other team members

• Strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration

• Strong motivation with the mindset of focusing on deliverables and getting the job done

We offer

• Very supportive research community and friendly team members

• Opportunities to learn scientific teamwork, research, and communication skills

• Access to a wide range of laboratory equipment and characterization methods

• Support for developing your innovative research ideas

Terms of employment

The expected starting salary for a doctoral candidate is approximately 2540€/month and salary will increase with responsibilities and performance over time. The contract includes occupational health care and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities, commuter ticket benefit and Unisport offers versatile exercise services with staff discount. We prefer the selected candidate to be able to start as soon as possible, but the starting date can be negotiated.

As a PhD student, you will participate in doctoral courses and conduct high-quality research under the guidance of the group leader. You may be involved in teaching activities in the department. You are responsible for communicating your scientific results in meetings and conferences. The duration of the PhD employment is for 4 years (contingent upon successful performance in the first year).

For more information

To know more about the admission criteria of applicants, please visit Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering | Aalto University

For additional scientific information, you may contact Prof. Ali Tehrani (firstname.lastname(a)aalto.fi).

How to apply      

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our online recruitment system (NOT by email) by using the link on Aalto University’s web page ("Apply now!”).

To apply, please submit a single word/pdf document in English which includes the following:

• A cover letter stating your field of study, motivation, personal career goals, and suitability as a PhD candidate

• A complete curriculum vitae (CV) describing education and employment history

• A letter of recommendation of a supervisor of MSc work or current employer

• Course transcripts of the previous degree accomplished

• Proof of English proficiency test

Please submit your application at your earliest convenience and no later than 15th October 2022.

Aalto University’s employees and visitors please note: you should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> Career -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using your existing Workday user account.

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.

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/ .

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: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland .

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