Karlstad University
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental and Energy Systems (Modelling and Material Characterisation for Pulp and Paper Technology) Karlstad University in Sweden
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 24, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Karlstad University
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About this position
This postdoctoral appointment at Karlstad University is part of the eight-year Infinity Fiber project and sits within the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences in the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology. The role is embedded in a multidisciplinary environment where researchers in chemistry, chemical engineering, construction engineering, and environmental and energy systems work closely with senior colleagues and industry partners.
The project focuses on the forest-based value chain, with particular attention to fibre circularity, innovative separation processes, carbon circularity, and sustainability-related challenges. Within this wider programme, the postdoc is centred on theoretical basic research on forest-based cellulose fibres and their industrial applications. The work combines advanced modelling with experimental data to investigate the fundamental relationships that govern fibre-based materials and processes.
The research will develop and apply numerical models for cellulose fibres, fibre networks, and other forest-based materials. A central theme is understanding how material structure, properties, and transport phenomena interact in processes relevant to pulp and paper technology. The project involves studying fluid flow, mass and heat transfer, energy transfer, dewatering, drying, and structural development in fibre-based materials.
The position also includes multiscale modelling across topics such as porous media, multiphysics, poroelasticity, solid mechanics, and fluid-structure interaction. Depending on the research question, these approaches may be used in CFD-based work or reduced-order models. Numerical simulations will be combined with experimental data to develop, calibrate, and validate predictive models of fibre network behaviour and process performance.
Another important aspect is the study of dewatering and drying, where changes in structure, mechanical properties, and permeability affect transfer processes in the material. The postdoc may also address related multiphysics questions linked to deformation, consolidation, and restructuring of fibre networks. The position is intended to contribute scientific knowledge that can be used to analyse and optimise processes involving forest-based fibre materials.
The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with researchers across the department and with fourteen industry partners, benefiting from a practice-oriented setting with strong academic-industry interaction.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or an equivalent qualification from abroad, with a specialisation in pulp and paper technology or another related subject relevant to the position. The PhD must be completed before appointment and normally no more than three years before the application deadline, unless special grounds apply. Candidates should have experience in experimental methods, particularly processing techniques for cellulose-based materials, strong analytical skills, and an interest in working with industrial partners. Computational experience is desirable but not mandatory, and applicants should be able to work independently and responsibly, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and communicate clearly in English. Proficiency in Swedish is desirable.
How to apply
Submit the application through Karlstad University’s Varbi recruitment system. Include a CV, cover letter, administrative experience statement, publication list with your role in multi-authored papers, language skills account, PhD certificate or equivalent proof, up to 10 scientific publications, up to 5 additional knowledge materials, and two references. Upload all documents electronically; non-electronic materials must be sent in triplicate to the HR administrator address in Karlstad.
Make your next move.
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.