Research Assistant for valorisation of side stream press cake from green biorefinery for textiles Part-time

Research Assistant For Valorisation Of Side Stream Press Cake From Green Biorefinery For Textiles

We are seeking a research assistant for a 6 months position in the green biorefining technologies research group to further optimize our methods of valorisation of the fiber-rich press cake side stream from the green biorefinery demoplant at AU Viborg. The project will focus on pulping of the press cake and development of textile filaments from the refined cellulose-fraction.

Expected Start Date And Duration Of Employment

This is a fixed-term position to start at 1st of March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job Description

The position includes both current and future-oriented research tasks, including but not limited to:

• Experimental work related to processing press cake and derived polymers into textile filaments
• Preparation, handling, and characterization of polymerbased and bio-based materials
• Operation and maintenance of relevant laboratory and pilotscale equipment
• Use of analytical techniques for material characterization (e.g. thermal, mechanical, rheological, or chemical analysis)
• Data collection, documentation, and basic data analysis
• Contribution to reporting, presentations, and potentially scientific publications
• Supporting collaboration within the research group and with external partners when relevant

Over time, the role may develop to include increased responsibility for planning experimental work and contributing to method development. The research assistant is expected to:

• Carry out assigned research tasks independently and in coordination with project leaders
• Ensure structured, reproducible, and welldocumented experimental work
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and quality standards
• Take responsibility for own tasks and deadlines within agreed project frameworks

The position does not include formal staff responsibility but requires a high degree of professional responsibility and reliability.

Your Profile

Applicants are expected to have:

• A master's degree (MSc) in chemical engineering, biotechnology, materials science, polymer science, or a closely related field
• Basic knowledge of polymer science and polymer processing
• Experience with relevant analytical equipment and laboratory techniques
• Familiarity with experimental research work, preferably within materials, biorefining, or related areas
• Good IT skills and experience with data handling and documentation
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Experience with textile materials, filament spinning, or bio-based materials is considered an advantage but not a requirement. The successful candidate is expected to:

• Be able to work independently, systematically, and in a structured manner
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Be motivated, curious, and eager to learn new methods and techniques
• Work well both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team
• Communicate clearly and constructively with colleagues and supervisors
• Contribute positively to a collaborative, respectful, and international research environment

Who We Are

The department of biological and chemical engineering offers a dynamic research environment with close collaboration between researchers, students, and external partners, and a strong focus on sustainability and applied research.

What We Offer

The green biorefining technologies research group focuses on the development of sustainable biorefining processes that enable high-value utilization of green biomass. A key strategic goal of the group is to contribute to the transition towards a circular bioeconomy by converting residual biomass streams into value-added products. The research assistant will contribute to research activities related to the conversion of press cake from green biorefining processes into textile filaments. The position supports ongoing research projects by performing experimental work, material processing, and analytical characterization, thereby contributing to the development of novel bio-based textile materials and processes.

Place Of Work And Area Of Employment

The position includes two permanent workplace addresses in aarhus and au viborg respectively. The attendance at each workplace address is by agreement with your immediate supervisor. At the time of employment, the distribution between the workplace addresses is expected to be approximately 4 days a week with place of employment in aarhus and 1 day a week with place of employment in foulum. In aarhus the place of work is hangøvej 2, 8200 aarhus n. In foulum the place of work is blichers allé 20, 8830 tjele. The area of employment is aarhus university with affiliated institutions.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact: morten ambye-jensen, +45 93 50 80 09, maj@bce.au.dk

Application Procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Formalities And Salary Range

Natural sciences refers to the ministerial order on the appointment of academic staff at danish universities under the danish ministry of science, technology and innovation. The application must be in english and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here. Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the danish ministry of taxation and the danish confederation of professional associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the memorandum on job structure for academic staff at danish universities. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the danish ministry of taxation and the confederation of professional associations.