Junior researcher (doctoral student) in biorefinery process development

LUT Department of Separation Science seeks a junior researcher (doctoral student) to develop a new biorefinery concept. 

The junior researcher will investigate production of platform chemicals such as small organic acids as well as their recovery and purification. The raw materials are low-grade industrial and municipal wastes that contain polysaccharides such as cellulose. The research includes both experimental work (laboratory and mini-pilot scales) and mathematical modelling and simulation. Simulation tools are available in the group and extensive experience in programming is not required.

Job description

• The objective is to complete doctoral degree at LUT University within four years, including 40 ECTS coursework on subjects relevant to the thesis topic
• The job also includes participation in research projects or grant applications, assisting in teaching, and other tasks in the research group.

What we offer

• An opportunity to launch a successful research career and become an expert in chemical engineering for processing of biobased materials 
• A four-year (1+3 years) employment contract with LUT University for completing the doctoral degree. The research work starts with a one-year term, which can be extended for three years provided that the research and studies have progressed successfully
• Encouraging and supportive supervision and research collaboration 

Job requirements

• Higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, or similar)
• The ability and motivation to complete the doctoral studies within their normative duration for the degree (i.e., four years)
• Experience in chemical engineering laboratory work is required. Experience in process development and using common modelling and simulation tools (e.g. Matlab, Aspen, or similar) is highly appreciated.
• Fluency in English (both written and oral)

An employment contract can be concluded only if the candidate obtains the right to pursue postgraduate studies at LUT University.

We may also consider applicants who are in the final stages of their M.Sc. studies while applying, but we require a completed degree when the employment starts.    

Starting date: The work starts with a six-month trial period in August 2022 (negotiable).

Location: The office may be located either in Lahti or Lappeenranta (negotiable) and the work requires some travelling between the two locations. Part of the research (3 to 6 months) is carried out at a European partner university.

Salary: The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 30 800 euros (plus a holiday bonus in accordance with the collective agreement).

How to apply

Please submit all the application materials in English:

The deadline for application is 26 June 2022 (at midnight, Finnish local time +3 h). Please submit your application together with the required attachments through the university's online application system.

For more information, please contact Tuomo Sainio, [email protected] , +358 40 357 8683.

Additional information 

LUT Doctoral School: https://www.lut.fi/web/en/admissions/apply-to-lut/doctoral-studies

Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of 7 500 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are the world’s ninth best university for climate action.

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