Doctoral Student in Polymer Technology – Sustainable Polymer Barriers for Moulded Cellulose Fibre Products KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

This PhD position at KTH Royal Institute of Technology is part of the ENDURE Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network, focusing on 'Sustainable polymer barriers for moulded cellulose fibre products.' The project aims to develop and apply high-performance barrier layers for use in moulded fibre products, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, recyclability, and advanced materials engineering. The doctoral student will work at the intersection of polymer science, materials chemistry, and chemical engineering, gaining experience in both fundamental research and practical application development. The research will involve synthesizing, integrating, and modeling the structure and properties of barrier layers during synthesis, lamination, use, and recycling.

The position is hosted at KTH in Stockholm, Sweden, and is supported by the associated partner Yangi AB, providing opportunities for collaboration with industry and other academic institutions across Europe. The ENDURE network comprises 5 universities, 2 research and technology organizations, and 8 industry partners from four countries, offering a unique employability and skills development process for doctoral candidates. Supervision will be provided by Professor Ulrica Edlund (main supervisor), with co-supervision from Professor Artem Kulachenko (KTH) and Dr. Mårten Alkhagen (Yangi AB).

The position offers a dynamic and international research environment, monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement (starting at 33,000 SEK/month), and additional Marie Curie mobility and possible family allowances. Applicants must meet mobility rules (not have resided in Sweden for more than 12 months in the past 3 years), hold a relevant master's degree or equivalent, have completed university-level coursework in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, or polymer technology, and demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to English B/6. Selection will be based on academic qualifications, motivation, and personal skills such as independence, collaboration, and analytical ability.

The position is full-time, temporary (up to four years), and offers opportunities to contribute to highly industrially relevant research and develop advanced experimental skills. Applications must be submitted through KTH's recruitment system by November 30, 2025, and should include a CV, application letter, diplomas, proof of language proficiency, and representative publications.

For more information about the project, visit the ENDURE project page or contact Professor Ulrica Edlund at [email protected].