Postdoctoral Fellow in conversion of textile waste into biobased products

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry . Closing date: 02 December 2021.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. In Materials Chemistry, we focus on developing and understanding advanced routes for synthesis, processing, production, as well as the use of structural- and functional materials in applications towards a healthy, sustainable and environmental friendly society. The research subject includes self-assembly, colloidal processing, synthesis and surface modification, field-assisted sintering and additive manufacturing of biopolymer-based materials,  nanocellulose based functional materails, and hybrid and composite materials. More information can be found at: www.mmk.su.se .

Project description
To ensure a circular and sustainable textile industry it is crucial to develop not only for high value products, but also for high volume products that puts the waste textiles back in the production loop in a resource efficient and toxic free route. We aim to develop processing techniques for textile recycling supported by novel analytical chemsitry and data treatment approaches for quantitative non-targeted screening or potentially toxic chemicals in recycled textiles within the project ”Tandem development of waste textile recycling process and chemical screening for a non-toxic Re:Start”, funded by Formas.

Main responsibilities
The postdoctoral position will be located in the research group of Professor Aji Mathew. The position involves development of processing techniques for recycling of textile waste. This also includes product development using reclaimed PET, acrylics, nanocellulose and hybrids and charcaterisation of composite materials. The candidate will collaborate closely with a postdoc in group of Professor Anneli Kruve that is working on analytical chemistry tools to evaluate toxicity and sustainability of the recycling processes. The candidate will also be able to collaborate with commercial enterprises.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The doctoral degree should have been completed no more than three years before the deadline for applications. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances, which may involve sick leave, parental leave, clinical attachment, elected positions in trade unions, or similar.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant multidisciplinary team of students and postdocs and should therefore be a good team player with experience to supervise students. Applicants must have strong communication skills with excellent knowledge in English, both written and spoken.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The selection is based primarily on scientific excellence and experience in the field of nanocellulose processing, nanocelluose based composite materials  and characterisation methods as well as textile recycling. 

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills in machine learning and technical skills in code writing. Candidates with knowledge in engineering of machine learning algorithms are especially appreciated. 

Previous experiences in textile recycling or processing of nanocellulose and its composites are required. Proficiency in 3D printing using polymer composites or dye sensitised solar cells will be of advantage.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 1st of October 2021 or as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Aji Mathew, telephone: +46 8 16 12 56, [email protected] . 

For general information about MMK, please contact the Head of the Department, Professor Gunnar Svensson, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 02/12/2021

URL to this pagehttps://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=15661&rmlang=UK