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.
The
Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering group is looking for a
Postdoctoral Researcher with strong knowledge in polymer characterization and chromatographic separation of polymer constituents
The successful applicant will develop a method for the analysis of mixed textile waste. Sustainable textile production and textile recycling are in the focus of the new Textile Strategy defined by the European Commission. However, the development of new recycling technologies is hampered by the lack of accurate analytics of textile waste consisting of various fiber polymers with their ratio varying from batch to batch. Thus, we are aiming to establish a new analytical toolbox that will support textile recycling on both research and industrial level. The activities are part of a joint academia-industry project developing holistic strategies of textile recycling, including de-coloration, polymer separation, and revalorization.
Research is carried out at our excellent facilities at Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering (
http://www.bioeconomyinfra.fi/). The laboratories are situated on the main campus of Aalto University in Otaniemi (short metro ride from Helsinki) within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (
http://bio2.aalto.fi/en/).
Job description
The project may be adjusted according to the talents of the applicants. The activities and responsibilities of the successful applicant will focus on the depolymerization of various polymers found in textiles (cellulose, PET, PA, PU). This includes
- developing methods to depolymerize above described polymers
- establish procedures for the chromatographic separation of mono- and oligomers
- taking an active role in project management
- instruction of doctoral candidates
- dissemination of results through scientific articles and presentations at conference, seminars, and workshops
- contributing to additional fund raising
Requirements - Recently obtained PhD (within five years) in a suitable field, such as polymer chemistry, polymer engineering, organic and/or analytical chemistry, or similar
- proven experience in polymer synthesis and various chromatographic separation methods, in particular HPLC
- highly committed to science and strive for excellence
- work independently and instruct PhD candidates
- excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Skills, knowledge or interest in some of the following areas are highly appreciated:
- textile chemistry
- spectroscopic methods (NMR, FTIR, Raman, XPS)
- (bio-)polymer processing
- supporting in the preparation of high-level international project proposals
What we offer- high-end laboratory infrastructure and an international and highly professional working environment
- opportunity to work in an established research group
- freedom to bring in own ideas
- funding for 3 years
The candidate will be granted a fixed-term contract for three years. The expected starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 3700-3900 EUR/month depending on experience.
Ready to apply?
To apply for the position, please submit the following application materials in English through the ’Apply’ link
at the latest on March 29, 2024:
The application should include the following:
- Cover letter (highlighting why you are interested in this position and why you think that you are a good candidate)
- CV, incl. list of publications
- Names and contact details of references
Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via the internal HR system Workday (keyword Find Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).
The call is open until March 29th, but review of candidates starts instantly, and the position may be filled before the end of the call.
For more information
For additional scientific information, please contact Prof. Michael Hummel (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).
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.More about Aalto University:
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