University of Oulu, the Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Group is opening new position for postdoctoral researcher in the research field of Novel high-performance wood and cellulose biocomposites in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology. As a postdoctoral researcher you will be a member of research group at the University of Oulu and you are expected to work also in the Luleå University of Technology.
Organization
University of Oulu is an international science university, which creates innovation for the future, well-being, and knowledge through multidisciplinary research and education. Founded in 1958, our research and education community is 16000 students and 3000 employees strong, and one of the biggest and the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. Fibre and Particle Engineering research group focuses on following core research areas: applied and fundamental particle interactions, novel inorganic materials, lignocellulosic materials and chemicals, biocomposites and other advanced materials. The group consists of ca. 25 persons, 12 are PhD level researchers, with few part-time research trainees and thesis workers employed in versatile research projects.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) an alliance university with the University of Oulu and located 260 km Northwest of Oulu. LTU has strong expertise in Composite materials having an Excellence Centre and Master program on this subject. The research group Wood and Bionanocompositesfocuses on composites processing technologies as well as their structure property relations and have been successful conducting research on this subject during the last 8 years. The group consist of 22 persons whereas 12 have a PhD degree and 10 PhD students
Project description
The work in the announced positions will be conducted within the FidiPro project Novel high-performance wood and cellulose biocomposites. The project is financed by TEKES (Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation), University of Oulu and Finnish industries. The vision of this project to develop structural biocomposites which is realized by combining our competencies in composite technology and also by taking advantage of our high quality laboratory facilities (both in University of Oulu and in the Luleå University of Technology) for composites processing and characterization. We aim to develop biocomposites, which are stronger and more durable than materials used today. The materials will be used in everyday life, but also in demanding applications such as in building or vehicle components. The research subjects are 1) Highly innovative cross-linked, interpenetrated or semi-interpenetrated networks of biocomposites (IPN and SIPN); 2) Biocomposites where different biobased fibres and particles with different surface characteristics will be prepared and their dispersion-property relations will be studied; 3) Structural nanocomposites with high mechanical performances are prepared using impregnation process and 4) Limitations and benefits of biobased composites. The doctoral students will be working with selected parts of the project.
Work description
Terms are agreed for one (1) year. Continuation of the employment will be evaluated after one year and the objective is to extend the employment for three years.
Starting date: Earliest 1st of February 2015 or according to agreement.
Eligibility
We are looking for highly motivated applicants with a PhD degree in materials science, polymer engineering, polymer chemistry, or other equivalent degrees. Preferably with a knowledge and experience of composite materials and their processing technologies as well as on nanocellulose materials. You should be a good team player and have an ability to take initiative. We are also expecting good analytical and problem solving skills and fluent written and spoken English
Salary
Depending on personal achievement and performance, the salary of the Postdoctoral researcher will be set at level 5 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities (€ 3300 – 3800 gross).
Application
Applications should be submitted using the electronic application form by January 15th 2015 and must include the following:
- CV including education and relevant academic/work experience
- Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page) with a short description of interest in the scientific studies and the specific research field.
Information
For further information please contact:
Prof. Kristiina Oksman: +46703585371; kristiina.oksman<στο>ltu.se
Dr. Petteri Piltonen: +358405501383; petteri.piltonen<στο>oulu.fi
Dr. Tuomas Stoor: +358 40 5517455; tuomas.stoor<στο>oulu.fi