About this role
Sapere Aude - Dare to Be Wise - is our motto. Our students and colleagues develop socially important knowledge that enriches individuals and the world. Our academic environment is characterized by curiosity, courage, and openness, with close connections between people, roles, subjects, and research. The foundation of our operations is equality, diversity, and a democratic approach. We are located in Värmland, a nature-close and culturally rich region where we serve as a driving force for sustainable development in close collaboration with society.
Karlstad University has approximately 1,400 employees and 17,700 students distributed across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. Learn more about us at: https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic team to work on the development of bio-based polymers within the Mission 0 House initiative.
The position focuses on experimental research on sustainable production of cellulose fibers. The work both complements and is underpinned by computational chemistry to optimize and predict process parameters.
The Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences has approximately 60 employees and belongs to the Faculty of Health, Science, and Technology. The department consists of four subjects: Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental and Energy Systems.
Description
The selected candidate will lead experiments in cellulose dissolution and regeneration for textile applications, focusing on reducing the amount of chemicals in traditional processes and identifying new, sustainable alternatives. The position also includes applying computational chemistry to model and refine experiment design to increase understanding of molecular interactions and process efficiency.
Mission 0 House has been established in Gothenburg as an industry-led and mission-driven research collaboration arena. Here, academic researchers and industrial engineers collaborate to eliminate anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions caused by chemical reactions during material and product manufacturing. The project is a collaboration between five Swedish universities and representatives from manufacturing industries including steel, chemicals, textiles, and automotive sectors. Ten new postdoctoral positions are planned, with the first five starting in 2025. In addition to the Mission 0 House team, other researchers and engineers from all participating employers contribute their specific expertise to the project's activities. The position thus involves participation in a major initiative aimed at eliminating emissions in bio-based polymer production. Research will be conducted 50% at Karlstad University and 50% at Mission 0 House in Gothenburg. Individual housing solutions will be discussed during interviews.
The position is based in the Chemistry department but will be integrated with relevant research in Chemical Engineering and Environmental and Energy Systems.
For job duties, eligibility requirements, and assessment criteria, please see the full job posting here: Open Positions | Karlstad University
Terms
Fixed-term full-time employment for two and a half years with possible extension according to the Postdoctoral Employment Agreement. Start date as soon as possible or by arrangement. Research work will be conducted 50% in Karlstad and 50% in Gothenburg.
Application should include:
- CV
- Publication list (for co-publications, the candidate's role should be specified)
- Personal letter
- Documented description of qualifications relative to job requirements
- Copies of relevant grades, diplomas, and certificates
- Copy of doctoral thesis and three most relevant publications for the position
- Language proficiency certificates
- Two references, one from a previous or current manager and one from a supervisor or colleague
All documents and publications you wish to be part of your application must be attached to the digital application (no links).
Name each uploaded document clearly to indicate its contents.
Documents that cannot be sent electronically, such as books and publications, should be sent to:
Karlstad University
Hanna Ljungdahl
651 88 Karlstad
Sweden
Please reference number: 2025/221
Application deadline: 2025-12-03
Welcome to apply!
Karlstad University has made a media selection for this recruitment and therefore declines contact with advertising sellers of recruitment services.
HR Excellence in Research
Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award in September 2020. The award is given to employers with a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers who continuously work to develop these. The award demonstrates the university's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment and favorable professional development for researchers. Read more at https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss/karlstads-universitet-som-arbetsgivare/human-resources-strategi-forskare-hrs4r