Project Assistant Research in Chemical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background
At the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, the research environment Pro2BE (Processes and products for a circular bioeconomy, (https://www.kau.se/en/pro2be) focuses on sustainable solutions for process technology and product applications for the forest industry and society at large.

Karlstad University is one of the participants in the research project MultiBarr, funded by the Knowledge Foundation and participating industrial companies, which focuses on the functional coating of paper, cardboard, and nonwovens. The intended functions for the substrate are, on the one hand, good barrier properties in relation to the permeability of water, oxygen, and fat, and, on the other, anti-microbial resistance.

The MultiBarr project includes five participating organizations and is hosted by the subject Chemical Engineering at Karlstad University. The research is conducted by the research group  Functional Surfaces and Sustainable Materials (Chemical Engineering) which is part of the research environment Pro2BE (https://www.kau.se/en/pro2be/research-areas/functional-surfaces-and-sustainable-materials). The other contributors to the project are industrial companies.

For our experimental work with producing coated cardboard and nonwoven, and in order to analyse the properties of the coating and the coated products, we need to strengthen the research group at Chemical Engineering focused on surface treatments through hiring a project assistant who will work with research.

Duties
The work tasks are primarily related to surface treatments and materials intended to create effective vapour barriers in cellulose-fiber-based packaging. Work tasks may also in part involve coatings with anti-microbial properties. Among other things, you will work with laboratory-scale coating of cardboard iand characterisation of material properties as well as surface and barrier properties of the coated samples. Studies of the properties and film formation of solutions and suspensions are included. Barrier properties are studied with a focus on water vapour and oxygen transmission, while studies of material properties are primarily focused on polymers and composites.

You will work together with other researchers in the project, which also includes industry partners. A small part of your duties (a maximum of 20%) may possibly involve research in other projects apart from MultiBarr or other tasks at the department.

Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, applicants are required to hold at least a Degree of Master of Science in Engineering or an equivalent degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Paper Technology, Physical Chemistry, or another related subject relevant for the project.

The applicant must be proficient in spoken and written English.

When assessing qualified applicants, special weight will be placed on

• The ability to carry out coating experiments, analyses, characterisation, and other experimental work in the area of barrier coating with polymer materials
• The ability to analyse the properties of water-based suspensions and solutions

When assessing qualified applicants, weight will also be placed on

• Knowledge of coating and surface treatment of cellulose fiber-based substrates
• Theoretical knowledge of polymer materials
• Theoretical knowledge of barrier coatings or similar types of protective films
• Experience of analysing surface structures, mechanical properties, and barrier properties
• The ability to work in an innovative research network of universities, institutes, and industry enterprises of different sizes

Considerable weight is also placed on the applicant’s personal qualities, such as the ability to cooperate, to perform tasks with dedication, and to work independently. A positive attitude towards colleagues is a given.

Terms
The position is a fixed-term, full time position for 12 months, with a possible extension (full time or part time). Thestarting date for the position is as soon as possible, but 1 July 2020 at the latest.

Application 
The 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:

•        Cover letter briefly describing the applicant’s qualifications in relation to the duties of the position

•        CV

•        Copies of relevant employer’s certificates, degree certificates, grades, and letters of recommendation

•        Information on language skills

•        Contact information to at least two references

•        Other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to

Submit your application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool.

Application deadline: 6 March, 2020

We look forward to your application!