Project Researcher or Doctoral Student in Lignin Chemistry or Biopolymer Chemistry, 1.12.2022-31.12...

Åbo Akademi University is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its international research community and its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally. The Faculty of Science and Engineering develops solutions and processes to slow down climate change, promotes a cleaner environment and a healthier sea and finds methods to discover, treat and prevent diseases. Our goal is a healthy human in a sustainable society. Our research is done in cooperation with the industry, research institutes and other universities both in Finland and abroad.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers one position as project researcher or doctoral student within the project ‘Novel Fiber Surfaces Functionalized by Lignins Refined and Engineered from Finnish Biorefinery Processes (LigninReSurf, https://www.abo.fi/en/project/novel-fiber-surfaces-functionalized-by-lignins-refined-and-engineered-from-finnish-biorefinery-processes/#ligninresurf ) funded by Business Finland and starting on December 1st 2022 (or per agreement) and ending on December 31st 2023. The position is placed in the Cluster of Chemistry and Chemical Technology.

Background 

In this recruitment, we are primarily looking for a candidate with a background in the following field(s): lignin chemistry, polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, wood chemistry, chemistry and chemical technology, and material science and engineering. 

Description of the position

The main task will be to carry out work within the scope defined by the project. 

Plant biorefinery is a renewable and sustainable alternative to the current petroleum-based industry and thus it is of key importance to address UN Sustainability Goal. Lignin accounts for up to 30% of dry mass of plants, but so far, most of it is burnt for energy. The LigninReSurf consortium project plans to use the relevant lignin streams from Finnish biorefinery processes as raw materials to apply lignin-refining approaches to achieve well-defined fractions with well-characterized structures. Green sustainable approaches such as using enzyme as well as novel chemical approaches will be developed for tailoring these lignin fractions to novel bio-based porous membranes for water purification, new coating formulations for functional surfaces and packaging as well as other bioplastic materials for consumable products. Moreover, new 3D printing approaches will be explored and open vast business potential for lignins to be used in manufacturing those fiber-based products.

The employment can start on as soon as possible or as per agreement. The appointed person will be placed at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The position is located in Turku.

Qualification and assessment

We are looking for a motivated project researcher or doctoral student who has education background in chemistry or chemical engineering or material science or other closely related field suitable for the position described above.

Qualification requirements for positions as project researcher:

• doctoral degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or other field defined above
• Excellent oral and written skills in English
• Good knowledge in lignin chemistry, organic chemistry, wood chemistry, polymer chemistry and/or material chemistry is considered a merit.

The applicants are assessed based on the qualifications above and possible results of research in the relevant field or related subjects. During the selection process the applicants can be invited to an interview.

Qualification requirements for position as doctoral student:

• Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or other field defined above
• A high-quality research plan on modification and utilization of lignin (max. 3 pages)
• Excellent oral and written skills in English
• Good knowledge in lignin chemistry, organic chemistry, wood chemistry, polymer chemistry and/or material chemistry are considered a merit.

The applicants are assessed based on their study achievements, research plan and possible results of research in the relevant field or related subjects. During the selection process the applicants can be invited to an interview.

Applicants who are not yet accepted as a doctoral student at the faculty need to fulfil the requirements for applicants to doctoral studies according to the principles for admission to the doctoral programs at the faculty. Please note, that there is a separate application process for the admission to a doctoral programme at ÅAU.

Terms of employment

The principle of total working time (1,612 hours per year) applies to employment as project researcher or doctoral student. The work tasks are defined in an annual work plan.

The salary is determined in accordance with the general collective agreement for universities and is dependent on the final employment.

A trial period applies for new employees.

Application

Submit the electronic application form below (www.abo.fi/rekrytering ), the position is open for application until 15.10.2022 at 3:00 pm (Finnish time zone). Support for submitting the electronic application can be found here: https://www.abo.fi/en/instructions-for-submitting-an-application/ .

The following attachments should be submitted:

Applicants to the position as doctoral student should present a research plan (max total 5,000 characters incl. spaces, excl. references), written in English. It may include research questions, methods, material, and a description of the implementation of the plan.

Contact details

For more information on the position, please contact Dr. Patrik Eklund, email: [email protected] or Professor Chunlin Xu, email: [email protected] and (about the application process) HR-specialist Anna Lübchow, email: [email protected] .

Åbo Akademi University is actively working for equal gender distribution and diversity across all personnel groups.