Project assistant research, in chemical engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background
One of the research milieus at the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences at Karlstad University is Pro2BE (Processes and Products for a Circular BioEconomy, www.kau.se/pro2be). The research focuses on sustainable solutions for process technology and product applications for the forest industry and society

Karlstad University is one of the participants in a Vinnova funded research project involving barrier coatings of cellulose fibre- based 3D packaging. Karlstad University's part in the project centers on surface treatment and materials for effective gas barriers. The project is carried out by the university's research group for Paper Surface Treatment, which is one of the Pro2BE groups. The research group has a long history of research on sustainable coating of cellulose fibre-based packaging materials to achieve the effective barriers and desired functional properties needed to promote a transition to a circular bioeconomy. The members of the research group are active in international, national and regional networks and collaborative projects. The research group's website is https://www.kau.se/en/psc. We need to recruit a project assistant to help us investigate polymeric materials and the process of applying them to the surface.

The project is jointly funded by Vinnova’s strategic innovation program BioInnovation and participating Nordic industries. BioInnovation supports the transition to a circular bioeconomy by enhancing research activities that can develop the properties and uses of bio-based materials.

Duties
Duties are mainly in the area of surface treatment and materials for good gas barriers in 3D cellulose fibre-based packaging. Effective and resource-efficient packaging solutions can be created through adapted barrier coating technology, thus contributing to sustainable development and a sustainable bioeconomy.

The project assistant is expected to work with coatings of cellulose fiber-based packaging using new innovative methods, characterization of material properties, and surface and barrier properties of coated samples. Barrier properties are studied in relation to diffusion of water vapour and oxygen, and the study of material properties mainly involves polymeric materials.

The work is carried out in close collaboration with other researchers in the project, which includes companies and research institutes.

Qualification requirements
To be eligible for the position, applicants are required to hold a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Technology, Paper Technology, Physical Chemistry or other areas relevant to the project, or equivalent qualifications.

Good command of English in speech and writing is required.

Assessment criteria
In the ranking of applicants, special weight will be given to

• ability to perform coating experiments, analyses, characterization and other experimental work in the field of barrier coating with polymeric materials.

Weight will be given to

• knowledge of coatings and coating on cellulose fibre-based substrates
• theoretical knowledge of polymeric materials
• theoretical knowledge of barrier coatings or similar types of protective films
• ability to work in an innovative research network consisting of universities, institutes and industrial enterprises of different sizes.

We attach great importance to personal qualities, such as good ability to work in teams, commitment and ability to work independently. A positive attitude towards colleagues is indispensable.

Terms of employment
The position is full-time, fixed-term employment for five months, with possible extension, and starting date as soon as possible but no later than 1 September 2019.

Application
Application should include well documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted no later than the application deadline.

The application should include:

• Application letter briefly describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position
• CV
• Copies of relevant transcripts, degree certificates, employment certificates and letters of recommendation
• Information on language skills
• Contact information to at least two references
• Any other documents the applicants want to submit

Submit your application via the university’s web based recruitment tool and attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not provide links to them). One copy of documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to Karlstads universitet, Registrator, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden.

State ref.no: REK2019/75

Application deadline: April 15, 2019

We look forward to your application!