Postdoctoral researcher in biomaterial conversion and chemistry of circular economy
About University of Helsinki and Faculty of Science
We offer a chance to work in an international, multidisciplinary research community with excellent research infrastructure and support services. The University of Helsinki is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world, belonging in the top 100 in the Shanghai ranking. The Faculty of Science campus is located in Kumpula, a green neighbourhood in proximity to downtown Helsinki, hosting scientist from fields of physics, mathematics, geoscience, and computer science beside chemists. The Department of Chemistry is the leading hub of chemistry teaching and research in Finland.
$ads={1}
New research group - Chemistry of Circular Economy
Assistant Professor Timo Leskinen has recently joined the department and the position is the first to be filled in his team focused on Chemistry of Circular Economy. Goal of the group is to establish research combining advanced chemistry with concepts that can deliver sustainable low carbon materials to the society. These goals are reached by active interaction with the society and industrial sector, as several companies support the new professorship.
Working as a postdoc in circular economy group
Research of circular economy group is just beginning and there is a lab space with plenty of freedom to tailor the workspace and ways of working, while this situation also brings extra responsibility in helping to establish a functioning lab for the students who will join the group. The postdoc is expected to participate in training of new master- and doctoral students, mentoring them in their lab work, and contributing to high level publications and grant applications. Postdoc needs to be the responsible person looking after labs own instrumentation (e.g. extruder) and training other to use it. Analytical instrumentation is available via infrastructure found at the Department of Chemistry. Active collaboration with other researchers at the department and outside the university is essential for high level research.
Funding and scope of research
We offer a 2-year postdoc position, with a 6-month trial period. The current funding is not tied to a specific project and provides excellent chance to carry out ambitious ideas. The envisioned focus will be in lignin-based materials that could replace fossil-based thermoplastics or bitumen. Circular economy topic will be important for the group, and therefore new interesting raw materials are continuously being searched for, providing a great change for bringing up new ideas in the field of secondary biomass or waste utilization. There will be need for developing new processing techniques for novel raw materials in the lab, and potentially in pilot scale, combined with sufficient analyses.
Salary is based on university salary system, proving annual income of approximately 46k€ before taxes. Occupational health service and other personnel benefits are included. More information on practicalities and benefits affiliated in living in Finland are provided by University of Helsinki website.
What is expected from the applicant
Applicant should have a doctorate degree and strong background in organic/polymer chemistry, or chemical engineering. Experience from biomaterials/lignin and hands-on skills with lab equipment and analytical instruments (e.g. DSC, TGA, FT-IR, LC, SEC, NMR) are assets. Experiences from life cycle assessment or process modeling are appreciated.
How to apply
To apply, please send (preferably as a single pdf file) an academic CV (including list of publications), a motivation letter including few page research plan, degree certificates, and the contact details of two referees.
Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system (by clicking on "Apply now"). Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the SAP Fiori (by clicking on “Employee login”).
The deadline for applications is August 10th, 2023 (23:59), but the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate has been found.
Preferred start date is as soon as possible but flexible. Applicant should have (by the date of starting) a doctorate degree. Applicant needs to be highly motivated for academic research and capable of working both independently and as a member of an international and diverse team. All genders and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Questions regarding the positions can be directed to Asst. Prof. Timo Leskinen, timo.leskinen(at)helsinki.fi.
Assistance on application system and HR issues is available from HR specialist Eeva Valanta, eeva.valanta(at)helsinki.fi (excluding July).
Onko sinulla helsinki.fi -käyttäjätunnukset ja voimassa oleva työsopimus, apurahatutkijan sopimus, vierailevan tutkijan tai vierailevan professorin sopimus Helsingin yliopistossa? Kirjaudu ensin tästä hakeaksesi avoimia tehtäviämme
$ads={2}
