Postdoc in Lignin-Based Protective Coatings for Industrial Applications

Job description
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We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of sustainable lignin-based coatings within an industry-funded research project at KTH. You will be part of a dynamic research environment at the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, where we develop sustainable materials based on lignin and cellulose.
In this role, you will:
– Develop and optimize sustainable lignin-based coatings for industrial applications.
– Conduct experimental laboratory work, including synthesis, formulation, and characterization of materials.
– Analyze the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of the developed coatings.
– Collaborate with industrial partners to ensure the research is relevant and applicable.
– Participate in scientific publishing and conferences.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research with strong industrial relevance and to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional surface coatings. You will work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory resources and expertise in polymer and materials science. Do you want to be part of the future of sustainable materials research? Apply now!

What we offer
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– A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
– Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
– Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
– Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH
Read more about what it’s like to work at KTH and our benefits.

Qualifications
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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.
– PhD in polymer technology, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD.
– Proven scientific excellence, demonstrated through publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
– Experience with polymer materials and surface coatings, particularly in the development, formulation, and characterization of coatings.
– Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work, including material characterization using techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, or mechanical testing.
– Ability to work independently and to lead and plan research projects.
– Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken, as the work takes place in an international research environment and involves collaboration with industrial partners.
Preferred qualifications
– A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
– Experience with lignin or other bio-based materials in polymer systems.
– Experience collaborating with industry, particularly in industry-funded research projects.
– Pedagogical skills and experience in supervision or teaching.
– Project management skills, including experience in coordinating research projects.
– Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues, with a particular focus on gender equality.
– Strong collaboration skills and experience working in interdisciplinary research environments.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives
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Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position
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Log into KTH’s recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.
The application must include:
– CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
– Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
– Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.
Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight
CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
Interviews are conducted on an ongoing basis.

About the employment
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The position offered is for, at the most, two years.
A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others
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Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant’s consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH
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KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here
Temporary position

Full time

According to agreement

Monthly salary

1

100%

Stockholm

Stockholms län

Sweden

PA-2025-1005

2025-03-27

2025-04-15