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Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Engineering (Pulp, Paper and Cellulose-Based Materials) Karlstad University in Sweden
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 24, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Karlstad University
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About this position
This postdoctoral project is part of Infinity Fiber, an eight-year collaborative research initiative at Karlstad University focused on the forest-based value chain. The position sits in the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, within the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, where researchers work across chemistry, chemical engineering, construction engineering, and environmental and energy systems in an open, cooperative environment.
The research is centred on experimental basic research on forest-based cellulose fibres and their industrial use. You will investigate the structure, chemistry, and functional properties of cellulose fibres and cellulose-based materials, with a strong emphasis on how fibre properties influence processing and end-use performance. Key themes include dewatering and drying, water–cellulose interactions, hornification, fibre characterisation, pulp chemistry, and the development and characterisation of new cellulose-based materials from forest-based raw materials.
The project asks how chemical, structural, and physical properties of fibres shape their behaviour during processing and materials production. Your work will combine chemical, physical, and process-engineering analyses to understand how water interacts with cellulose-based materials and how repeated wetting and drying cycles alter fibre properties and material structure. The results are intended to improve understanding of structure–property–process relationships and support practical applications in industrial settings.
You will work closely with senior researchers and other postdoctoral colleagues, and in direct collaboration with fourteen industry partners. The environment is explicitly multidisciplinary and practice-focused, creating opportunities to connect academic research with industrial utility. The position is research-intensive and embedded in a broader effort to address fibre circularity, innovative separation processes, carbon circularity, and sustainability-related challenges in the forest sector.
The appointment is for a fixed-term postdoctoral role with a strong emphasis on experimental research and collaboration within a dynamic university–industry network.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or an equivalent foreign qualification, with specialisation in pulp and paper technology or a closely related field. The PhD must be completed before appointment and no more than three years before the application deadline, unless special grounds apply. Candidates should have experience with experimental methods, especially processing techniques for cellulose-based materials; computational modelling and simulation experience is also valued. Strong independent research ability, teamwork, clear communication, good judgement, and English language proficiency are required. Swedish proficiency is desirable. Assessment gives special weight to experimental methods, computational modelling, publication record, relevant master’s and doctoral coursework, industry collaboration, and research visits.
How to apply
Submit the application through Karlstad University’s Varbi recruitment system. Include a CV, cover letter, administrative experience, publication list, language account, PhD certificate or equivalent documentation, up to 10 scientific publications, up to 5 other knowledge-transfer materials, and two references. Ensure all documents are complete and uploaded by the deadline.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.