Junior researcher (doctoral student) for the project ‘Emission Free Pulping’

The Department of Separation Science of LUT University is hiring a junior researcher (doctoral student) for the project ‘Emission Free Pulping’ funded by Business Finland. 

Description of the position

In this position, you will work as a part of the Emission Free Pulping (EFP) project group. The EFP project represents a ground-breaking initiative aiming to challenge and revolutionise current pulping processes and develop novel pulping concepts to drastically reduce CO2 emissions. The EFP consortium, coordinated by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, consists of 10 research organisations in both countries and several major forest industries. LUT’s task in the project is to evaluate low-impact pulping using green solvents based on metal hydrate deep eutectic systems that will allow to fibre liberation at low process conditions, such as low temperatures. 

Qualification and assessment

We are looking for a motivated junior researcher who has an education background in green solvents – mainly deep eutectic systems design and preparation, wood science or lignocellulose chemistry, biomass and fibre characterisation and chemical technology, or other closely related fields suitable for the position.

Qualification requirements for the position

• Master’s degree in a relevant field: wood science or lignocellulose chemistry, chemistry or chemical engineering, material science and engineering, or other fields defined above
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English
• Good knowledge of and research experience in biomass and fibre characterisation and lignocellulose chemistry
• Good knowledge of and research experience in deep eutectic systems, their preparation, characterisation, and utilisation will be considered an additional merit

The applicants are assessed based on the qualifications above and on possible research results in a relevant field or related subjects. In addition, applicants must be able and motivated to complete the doctoral studies within the normative duration of the studies for the degree (i.e., four years).

Terms of employment

An employment contract can only be concluded if the applicant obtains the right to pursue doctoral studies at LUT University. The work 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.  

Employment relationship and pay

The work starts as soon as possible or as agreed. The job is located at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences in Lahti, Finland. 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. 

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.

Applications 

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC + 2 h). 

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

• 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 degree certificates (bachelor’s, master’s) 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. 

For further information, please contact Dr. Ikenna Anugwom, ikenna.anugwom@lut.fi.

Read more about LUT as an employer and 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 nearly 8 000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We’re one of the top universities in the world for climate action. lut.fi/en

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

Application period starts: 2024-03-05 08:00 Application period ends: 2024-04-30 23:59