Project Researcher in the field of biomass processing

Åbo Akademi University is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its international research community and its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally. The Faculty of Science and Engineering develops solutions and processes to slow down climate change, promotes a cleaner environment and a healthier sea and finds methods to discover, treat and prevent diseases. Our goal is a healthy human in a sustainable society. Our research is done in cooperation with the industry, research institutes and other universities both in Finland and abroad.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers one position as project researcher in the field of biomass processing for 24 months, starting in January 2024, within the project ‘Novel fibre value chains & ecosystem services from sustainable feedstocks (FIBSUN)’ funded by the EU through its Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) programme. The position is placed at the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, which is part of the subject cluster Chemistry and Chemical Technology.

Background 

In this recruitment, we are primarily looking for a candidate with a background in the following field(s): biomass chemistry, biorefinery, natural materials technology, polymer chemistry and technology, and chemistry and chemical technology.

Description of the position

The main task will be to carry out work within the scope defined by the project. 

In order to stimulate the rural bioeconomy and industrial competitiveness, achieve climate mitigation and biodiversity targets, and increase the resilience of production systems, the European Union (EU) needs forerunners, both in primary production and industry. FIBSUN target to create the novel biobased fibre value chains without leading to undesirable land-use changes, such as the conversion of forest or land currently used for food production into land used for fibre biomass production. Therefore, biomass sources such as cattail and common reeds as well as many other residues are used as sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock. FIBSUN integrates expertise from 17 partners (6 research organizations and 11 industry partners) to tackle the challenges, create new innovation and provide feasible solutions. The aim of this position is that the person appointed will develop innovative approaches for biomass and fiber processing and valorization such as in fiberboard or insulation board.

The employment can start on as soon as possible or as per agreement. The appointed person will be placed at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The position is located in Turku.

Qualification and assessment

We are looking for a motivated project researcher who has an education background in biomass chemistry and technology, chemistry or chemical engineering or other closely related field suitable for the position described above.

Qualification requirements for the position:

• doctoral degree in biomass chemistry, chemistry or chemical engineering, or other field defined above
• Excellent oral and written skills in English
• Good knowledge in biomass chemistry and biorefinery is considered a merit.

The applicants are assessed based on the qualifications above and possible results of research in the relevant field or related subjects. During the selection process the applicants can be invited to an interview.

Terms of employment

The principle of total working time (1,612 hours per year) applies to employment as project researcher. The work tasks are defined in an annual work plan.

The salary is determined in accordance with the general collective agreement for universities and is dependent on the final employment.

A trial period applies for new employees.

Application

Submit the electronic application form below (www.abo.fi/rekrytering), the position is open for application until 13th of October 2023 at 3:00 pm (Finnish time zone). Support for submitting the electronic application can be found here: https://www.abo.fi/en/instructions-for-submitting-an-application/.

The following attachments should be submitted:

1. A free-form application letter (max. one page)
2. A high-quality research statement on biomass processing and valorization (max. 3 pages). It may include research questions and a description of the possible implementation of the plan, written in English.
3. A list of max. three references and their contact details
4. Degree certificate(s)
5. A CV in accordance with the recommendations of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity, TENK: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae, including a full list of publications with links to the publications or to a file sharing system where the publications are stored, copies of diplomas including transcript of records (BA, MA, MSc, other) and study transcripts for bachelor and master’s degrees. 

Contact details

For more information on the position, please contact Professor Chunlin Xu, email: chunlin.xu@abo.fi and (about the application process) HR-specialist Anna Lübchow, email: anna.lubchow@abo.fi.

  Åbo Akademi University is actively working for equal gender distribution and diversity across all personnel groups.

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys