Post-doctoral position in biobased surfactant synthesis

This post-doctoral position focuses on the development of biobased surfactants using sustainable raw materials as alternatives to conventional petrochemical-derived surfactants. You will work in a research environment where fundamental chemistry is closely connected to real-world applications, contributing to the transition towards more sustainable chemical products.

The main purpose of the project is to develop and study new biobased surfactants derived from renewable feedstocks. Today, most surfactants are synthesized from fossil-based raw materials, and replacing these with biobased alternatives could significantly reduce environmental impact and dependence on non-renewable resources. Despite major advancements in the field, biobased surfactants often face challenges in matching the performance of conventional surfactants, particularly regarding surface activity, stability and formulation efficiency. To address these challenges, the project focuses on developing novel synthesis strategies that enhance functionality and ensure high interfacial activity, stability and industrial relevance.

The position is a 24-month postdoctoral appointment located at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in the Bordes Research Group, which has long-standing expertise in surfactant research. The position is part of the large EU project SurfToGreen, offering you the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in a multidisciplinary and international environment.

About us

The Division of Applied Chemistry belongs to the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and comprises approximately 90 researchers working mainly in surface chemistry, polymers and catalysis across several sub-units.

Research at the Division of Applied Chemistry focuses on energy, materials design, nanotechnology, catalysis and surfactant chemistry, with a strong emphasis on novel surfactants and surfactant-based formulations such as microemulsions and emulsions.

In recent years, particular emphasis has been placed on different classes of amphiphilic substances, including amino acid-based surfactants and switchable or cleavable surfactants. Amino acid-based amphiphiles represent a class of environmentally benign surfactants derived from natural starting materials. They are rapidly biodegradable, exhibit low aquatic toxicity and are mild to the skin. Cleavable surfactants are also environmentally friendly due to functionalities that enable improved recyclability. Current research focuses on new building blocks for environmentally friendly surfactants, with this project placing strong emphasis on correlations between biobased surfactant structures and their properties.

About the research project

In this project, you will design and synthesize new biobased surfactants using renewable building blocks and study their surface-active properties. The work combines synthetic chemistry, physicochemical characterization and structure–property relationships, with relevance for sustainable industrial formulations.

Who we are looking for

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, soft matter or equivalent. This requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in studies related to surfactant synthesis
• An interest in experimental and application-driven research

The following experience will strengthen your application

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• General knowledge of spectroscopy and techniques related to the study of surface properties
• Experience combining experimental work with theoretical tools in physical chemistry

What you will do

Your main responsibility will be to develop methodologies for the synthesis of surfactants based on biobased building blocks, such as polyglycerols. This includes synthesis, surface property characterization and the study of specific molecular interactions, for example using NMR spectroscopy.

Throughout the project, you will collaborate with partners within the EU project SurfToGreen to evaluate and benchmark the developed surfactants. You are also expected to actively disseminate your research results within the scientific community through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 23 January, 2026.

For questions please contact:

Dr. Romain Bordes
[emailprotected]
+46 31 772 29 76

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.