KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. No less than one-third of Sweden’s technical research and engineering education capacity at university level is provided by KTH. Education and research spans from natural sciences to all branches of engineering and includes Architecture, Industrial Management and Urban Planning. There are a total of 13,400 first and second level students and almost 1,900 doctoral students. KTH has 4,900 employees.

The School of Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Fibre and Polymer Technology. It encompasses both fundamental and applied Chemical sciences and seeks sustainable development through scientific excellence. Many research activities are interdisciplinary across the borders from Chemistry to Materials science, Environmental science, Biochemistry, Biology and Medicine. The School offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Chemistry, Degree Programs in Engineering Chemistry, Technical Preparatory Year and three international master programs: Chemical Engineering for Energy and the Environment, Macromolecular Materials and Molecular Science and Engineering. We also cooperate with the master programs Energy and Environment, Materials Design and Biotechnology.


Project description

One open PhD position is announced in the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) aimed at preparing new materials from trees and this specific project is focused on Fundamental Colloidal properties of nanocellulose.

The project is aimed at forming a fundamental colloidal chemical knowledge about anisotropic cellulose nanoparticles and to use this knowledge to create ordered structures of nanocellulose that can be used in new and interactive materials. Since most nanocellulose materials are formed from dilute aqueous dispersions it is essential to describe the colloidal interactions in order to optimize the utilization of the excellent inherent properties of cellulose nano fibrils (CNF) and cellulose nano crystals (CNC). In our earlier projects we have developed new characterization methods for describing the dispersion properties of these anisotropic particles and we will use the results collected from these experiments to formulate, at least, semi-quantitative models for describing the colloidal chemical behavior of these fascinating new nanoparticles.  The project will also be co-ordinated with a project at Stockholm University, also within WWSC, aimed at characterizing the detailed structure of nano-cellulose dispersions and materials using high resolution x-ray scattering techniques. Apart from this direct co-operation the PhD position is a part of the WWSC efforts and the PhD student will be a part of a larger team effort where the colloidal chemical properties is a vital building block in creating new materials from trees.

The results from the project will be presented at international conferences and in highly ranked scientific journals.


Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

The potential candidate should have a Master of Science degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or equivalent.

A suitable profile for the position is specialization in surface and colloid science and a basic understanding of Fibre Technology is considered as a merit.

The applicant should be highly motivated for higher education studies, should easily take initiatives and be able to lead projects but also cooperate well in and between groups. The applicant should have excellent skills in the English language, both written and spoken.


Employment

Form of employment: Time limited
Starting date: August 2014 or according to agreement
The position is intended for pursuing individual doctoral studies. The position includes 20% infrastructural responsibility and/or teaching assistance.


Application procedure

In this recruitment we work together with Academic Work. Please send your application by following the link below:

www.academicwork.se/jobad/PhD-student-to-a-research-project-on-Colloidal-properties-of-nanocellulose/14945364

The application should be marked with reference number, clearly specify the specific position being applied for, and must include the following:

1.  CV including education and relevant academic/work experience
2.  Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate
3.  Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) with a short description of interest in the scientific studies and the specific research field

Deadline for application: 2014-05-18
Reference number: K-2014-0271


Contact

Maria Salling, Academic Work, Recruitment Consultant
Phone: +46-701-61 73 06
E-mail:maria.salling@academicwork.se

Katarina Malm, Academic Work, Recruitment Administrator
Phone: +46-8-562 467 42
E-mail:katarina.malm@academicwork.se

Lars Wågberg, Professor
Phone: +46-8-790 82 94
E-mail:wagberg@kth.se


Trade Union Representative

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: +46-8-790 70 58
Email:lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se

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