Postdoc in polymer chemistry

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

Syrén's research group currently recruits a postdoctoral fellow in polymer chemistry for the development of methods to generate biopolymers with tailored properties from biomass. The research is funded by FORMAS and involves collaboration with leading groups in Finland and Sweden. The main purpose of this research project is to develop methods for sustainable production of bio-based polyesters that are recyclable and that show the same properties as fossil-based polyolefins.

Job description

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of high-throughput polymer chemistry methods to generate material libraries based on sustainable building blocks. The postdoctoral duties include:

• In silico generation of material libraries, followed by their chemical synthesis and evaluation
• Material synthesis and characterization
• Research carried out in this area is conducted at low TRL levels, ie below 4, which means that the research is of a fundamental nature
• Actively contribute to the research group's activities, for example through supervision of bachelor / master students

The research will then be presented at international conferences and in international peer-reviewed journals.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Works in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in polymer chemistry, or equivalent competencies/ an equivalent foreign degree, This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Good knowledge of English in speech and writing is necessary to publish and present research results in international conferences and journals.
• Scientific skill with relevant doctorate, ie with experience in material science

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• In-depth knowledge and experience of polyesters, analytical chemistry and organic chemistry are an advantage, as well as:

• Educational ability
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality
• Teamwork
• Independence

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency. 

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

The application must include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter (detailing both your previous scientific work experience and your interest in this position, max 2 pages)
• Contact information for three references

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

1. Per-Olof Syrén, Associate Professor, +4687906508,per-olof.syren@biotech.kth.se