Postdoc in cellulose feedstocks and small-scale nitration Full-time NEW

Postdoc in Cellulose Feedstocks and Small-Scale Nitration

Would you like to build the scientific foundation for Swedish nitrocellulose? We are looking for a postdoc at the competence centre Svenskt Krut at KTH, where academia, government agencies and industry jointly strengthen Sweden's capability in nitrocellulose (NC).

In the project we map how the properties of the cellulose feedstock affect the nitrocellulose that can be produced. Your role is to characterise different cellulose feedstocks – including fibre structure, crystallinity, purity, accessibility and water retention – and relate these parameters to the suitability of the raw materials.

You will plan and carry out systematic small-scale nitration trials under controlled and safe conditions, analyse the resulting NC with the centre's analysis package and quantify the relationship between feedstock and NC properties. The work is carried out at the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology and in close collaboration with FOI, including at least one longer stay there.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Documented scientific expertise in cellulose, fibre or polymer chemistry, demonstrated through publications.
• Experience of characterising cellulose or fibrous materials, e.g. structure, crystallinity and purity.
• Very good command of English, spoken and written, as it is required in the daily work.
• As a person you are independent, take initiative and have a strong ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Swedish citizenship.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience of experimental synthesis or process work under explicit safety requirements.
• Experience of design of experiments and of linking feedstock parameters to product properties.
• Teaching abilities.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.