Doctoral researchers for carbon-negative cellulose products including experimental work or process modelling, doctoral education pilot (2 positions)

The Department of Separation Science at LUT University is hiring two junior researchers (doctoral researchers) for the CIMANET Doctoral Education Network in Finland. 

Description of the position

CIMANET is a doctoral education network for circular materials bioeconomy. It consists of Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, Åbo Akademi University, LUT University, the University of Oulu, Tampere University, Hanken School of Economics, the University of Jyväskylä, and the University of Turku. CIMANET is part of the doctoral education pilot programme funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, aiming to increase the number of experts in a wide range of sectors of our society. The network is coordinated by Aalto University. 

CIMANET aims to provide scientific and technological competences to support the renewal of the bio-based industry through new sustainable materials and processes. For more details, please see. 

LUT is looking for junior researchers for the following two doctoral projects: 

1. Carbon-negative cellulose products from pulp mills, mainly involving experimental work 

Supervisor: Associate Professor Kristian Melin 

The project conducts proof-of-concept laboratory tests to demonstrate and determine the performance of carbon-negative thermoplasctic cellulose esters that could be used instead of polyethylene and propylene in packaging. The idea is that fatty acids produced from captured CO2 and green H2 or synthesis gas can be combined with cellulose to bind carbon normally emitted into the atmosphere by the pulp and paper industry. The work would mainly take place in our Lahti laboratories, with occasional tasks in Lappeenranta.

2. Carbon-negative cellulose products from pulp mills, mainly involving simulations, process design, and techno-economic analysis 

Supervisor:  Associate Professor Kristian Melin 

The second position entails developing a process concept based on experimental data obtained from the first project, modelling the process, performing process simulations, and conducting a techno-economic and sustainability assessment.

Qualifications and assessment

Applicants must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., biorefineries, pulping technology, chemical engineering, energy technology, biomaterial chemistry, or a closely related field), the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University. Junior researchers must submit an application for the doctoral study right with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of employment relationship.

In addition, we value

• excellent spoken and written English 
• good knowledge of biorefinery and chemical processes
• good knowledge of chemical engineering unit operations, such as reactors and separation processes 
• experience in experimental laboratory work or process simulation and techno-economic evaluation 
• good cooperation skills 

Applicants are assessed based on the qualifications and qualities above and possible research results in a relevant field or related subjects.

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

Employment relationship and pay

Both positions will start as soon as possible but no later than 2 January 2025. The jobs are based at the School of Sciences in Lahti, Finland. Most of the work will take place in our Lahti laboratories, with some occasional tasks in Lappeenranta. 

The employment starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies have progressed satisfactorily in the first year.  The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros. 

Applications 

The deadline for applications is 25 October 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC + 3h). 

Please fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• Motivation letter highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Scanned copies of your original bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English. If the degree is still unfinished, provide an official estimate of your graduation date from your supervisor or school
• List of publications
• Contact information of two people who can provide references

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered. 

Further information

Associate Professor Kristian Melin, kristian.melin@lut.fi 

Read more about LUT as an employer.

Read more about the information for international staff. 

Read more about LUT Doctoral School.  

LUT University | Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of over 9,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the world's top universities for climate action. lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.