Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors, and more than 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.
We are now looking for a
Doctoral Researcher in Wood Materials Technology
Wood construction can play a significant role in mitigating climate change. However, we need to use forest resources thoughtfully to ensure their health and maintain all ecosystems services. Reusing wood building products in a materials cascade can help lower the demand for virgin wood and, for this reason, there is increasing interest in reusing wood recovered from building demolitions and other sources. This valuable resource is however poorly understood in terms of its quality and properties, so it requires further research.
Scientific environment
The department of
Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), one of the three departments in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, has an internationally leading reputation in basic and applied research for the development of advanced materials from natural resources. It is one of the leading European research and higher education institutions in the field of sustainable chemistry and engineering based on the utilization of renewable resources.
Bio2 aims to contribute to the development of novel solutions to move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce materials with fewer inputs, less environmental impact and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Within bioscience, the department has research in bioprocess technology, molecular biotechnology, enzyme technology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biomolecular, and biohybrid materials. Other strengths of the department include sustainable materials and products based on lignocellulose, ranging from nanomaterials to novel cellulose-based textiles.
Your role and goals
The position is open in the Wood Materials Technology group headed by Professor Mark Hughes. The research will focus on studying the material properties of industrial wood side streams and demolition wood. Specifically, the research will focus on understanding the ageing process and technical properties of construction wood and wood products in connection with their suitability for re-use. The research will utilize techniques such as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) as well as complimentary spectroscopic techniques and other methods.
Your experience and ambitions
We are seeking a motivated candidate with a suitable master’s degree and expertise in wood chemistry, wood physics, wood technology or another relevant field. The candidate is expected to have good written and oral communication skills in English. Since the research will involve industrial partners in Finland, Finnish language skills are seen as an asset.
What we offer
If you are chosen for this position, you will apply for the study right in doctoral studies at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. Thus, please check the student information and admission criteria at
https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering. In particular, please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English.
The doctoral studies at Aalto University take approximately four years. The candidate will be granted a one-year contract with possibility of extension. The expected starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is about 2540 €/month and will increase with responsibilities and performance over time.
The expected starting date of this position is in September 2023.
Our facilities are located at Aalto University Otaniemi campus in Espoo, Finland. The employment contract includes occupational health care, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities, and a commuter ticket benefit. Unisport offers versatile sports facilities and exercise services with a staff discount.
Ready to apply?
If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our online recruitment system
no later than 31.7.2023 by using the link on Aalto University’s webpage (“Apply now”). If you are an Aalto employee, please apply via Workday system (internal jobs).
To apply, please include the following documents in English and as a single pdf document:
- 1 page motivation letter
- CV with a possible list of publications and the title of your MSc thesis
- 1 page description of previous relevant research experience and studies
- Scanned copy of the master’s degree diploma & transcript of records for master’s degree (or equivalent)
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Mark Hughes (mark.hughes(at)aalto.fi). In recruitment-related questions, please contact HR Partner Noora Katisko (noora.katisko(at)aalto.fi).
Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos:
Aalto University - Towards a better world,
Aalto People, and
Shaping a Sustainable Future. You can also check out our webpage about Aalto and Finland:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package and our new virtual campus experience:
https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/.
About Finland
Finland is a great place for living with or without family - it is a safe, politically stable, and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world:
https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland:
For international staff | Aalto University
Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
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