Research project assistant in chemical engineering, focus paper coating - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description

At the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, the research project MultiBarr—funded by the Knowledge Foundation and participating businesses—focuses on the functional coating of paper, cardboard, and nonwovens. Karlstad University’s part of the project is mainly carried out by the research group for Functional surfaces and sustainable materials, which is one of the Pro2BE groups. For more information on the work done by the research group, see Functional Surfaces and Sustainable Materials | Karlstad University (kau.se).

In order to improve understanding of the coating process, we need to reinforce our team with a project assistant with expertise in dispersion and barrier coatings, numerical modelling, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of relevance to paper coating.

Due to the multifaceted nature of the research questions, three subjects at Karlstad University are involved in the project—Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The intended functions for the substrate are, on the one hand, good precoatings of the base substrate, good barrier properties in relation to the permeability of water and oxygen, as well as grease resistance, and, on the other, antimicrobial resistance. The work is carried out both in a lab-scale and in a pilot-scale environment.

Duties

The work involves research on barrier coating of paper and cardboard focusing on numerical simulation and computer modelling of the coating holdout, and consolidation of the barrier in combination with incorporating the structural data into fluid simulations and/or relative to mechanical properties of the base substrate in the thickness direction.

Duties further include laboratory experimental work with preparation and characterisation of the coating formulations and coated boards. You will work together with other researchers within MultiBarr but you are also expected to independently carry out laboratory work and numerical calculations of different stages of the coating process. Duties will include close contact with the industry for planning and reporting trials. You will be reporting your work to the subproject leader and project leader of MultiBarr team.

Qualifications

Required for the position is at least a Degree of Master in Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Material Engineering, or equivalent. Knowledge of paper/board production and the coating process is required for this position. Postgraduate education and industrial experience in the field are valuable qualifications.

As the work includes both numerical analysis and laboratory work, weight will be given to a solid theoretical background in material science, absorption, rheology, energy technology and experience of laboratory work.

Proficiency in spoken and written English is also required.

Terms of employment

This is a fixed-term, full-time position from1 June 2021, or by agreement, until 30 May 2022, with the possibility of extension.

Further information

Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organization. We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities and life experiences.

Application

Applications are submitted through the university’s web-based recruitment tool Varbi.

The application should include well-documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application to the University in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement and before the deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications in relation to the contents of the position
• Detailed list of qualifications/CV
• List of publications, if you have one
• Copies of relevant certificates of employment, education etc and degree certificates
• Contact details for at least two references 

Last day of application:      15 May 2021                       

We look forward to your application!