Postdoc position in processing of sustainable composite materials

Lulea University of Technology, Sweden

Updated: 10 months ago
Deadline: 15 Jul 2023

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Division of Materials Science, with about 60 employees, is a leading institution in bio-based composite materials and their processing, structural characterization, and applications. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctor with a PhD-degree for development of biocomposites with a focus on sustainability and structural performance.  

Subject description
Wood and Bionanocomposites covers the development of energyefficient manufacturing processes of eco-friendly composite materials and products based on various biofibers in nano- and micrometer scale.

Project description
The research on cellulose and nanocellulose reinforced composites has reached a point in which it is important to take the next step to create the new generation of sustainable biocomposite materials with properties reaching the needs of more demanding applications. The goal of the project is to gain knowledge of cellulose filaments from wood pulp and their capability to be used as reinforcing fibres in biobased resins to create high-performance biocomposites with mechanical properties at the level of glass fibre composites but with a lighter weight. To reach this, the work includes tailoring the composite structure as well as orientation of the fibres in the direction of the load. The structure and interaction between the filaments and polymer resins are studied using state of art technologies, such as μCT tomography, synchrotron (ForMax), digital image correlation, atomic force microscopy, and high-resolution microscopy.

The project is a part of Wallenberg Wood Science center 3.0 and collaboration project between academic partners at the WWSC and financed by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Duties
You are expected to be responsible for develop novel structural composites based on cellulose which are tested applications by the project partners in Interreg Aurora. You are expected to work closely with other members in the group and collaborate with the academic partners at WWSC 3.0 in Sweden. In addition to research works, you are going to be involved in writing of publications and dissemination of project results.

You will also get the chance to join a WWSC research network including of PhD-students, postdocs, and junior researchers.

Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in materials science, materials chemistry or equivalent. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence. You must have a strong capacity to work independently, including designing and conducting experiments, preparing a high-quality scientific presentations and publications. You are a team player who have excellent cooperation and communication skills and a high level of spoken and written English.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in the manufacture of composite materials
  • Experience bio-based fibers, nanocellulose, biopolymer resins in composites
  • Experience in advanced material characterization (electron microscopy, mechanical testing, XRD, X-ray tomography, synchrotron, etc.)

    • Further information
    Full-time fixed term employment for two years, up to maximum three years, placement in Luleå. Starting: 2023-08-01 or as per agreement.

    For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Kristiina Oksman, [email protected] , +46 70 358 5371

    Union representatives:
    SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 [email protected]   and OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected]

    In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

    Application
    We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

    Closing date for applications: 15 July, 2023
    Reference number: 5085-2022

    URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=7042&rmlang=UK


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