Last Date: 7.1.2024.
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 Wood Material Science research group at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems is looking for a motivated
Postdoctoral Researcher with strong knowledge of wood material science and technology in top-level research
Job description
The candidate will be working in fundamental research on topics related to e.g. wood material properties, wood modification, wood-moisture-interaction using advanced application of different technologies, such as Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, automated sorption balance (DVS), microscopy and universal material testing devices. The research should result in 1-2 high-level scientific publications/year.
The Wood Material Science group aims to develop new sustainable, environmentally friendly, and diverse bio-based products with enhanced properties. The focus is mainly on different wood modification techniques as well as on fundamental research topics such as changes in ultrastructure and water vapour sorption properties of biomaterials. We are continuously co-operating with industry and other top universities.
We have excellent facilities at Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering (http://www.bioeconomyinfra.fi/) and in Nanomicroscopy center.
Scientific environment
The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (BIO2), one of 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 Europe’s leading 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.
Requirements
The eligible candidate should have:
- Doctoral degree obtained after 2019 in a suitable field, such as wood material science and/or wood technology
- Good understanding of wood chemistry
- High level of motivation to be successful in the job
- Good written and oral communication skills in English
- Experience in carrying out independent research and working in a team environment
- Experience of writing high level scientific publications
Skills, knowledge and abilities in the following areas are highly desirable:
- Experience in supervising/instructing theses (Master’s / Doctoral)
- Experience in spectroscopical analyses, such as IR and Raman spectroscopies
- Experience in raising competitive funding
What we offer
The position will be initially filled for a minimum of one year with a possibility of extension and is available during 2024. 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 your application including the attachments mentioned below in English through the ’Apply’ link.
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of publications
- Research interest description
- Names and contact information 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).
Deadline for application is January 7, 2024, but we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
For more information
For additional information, please contact Prof. Lauri Rautkari [email protected].
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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