PhD Studentship at the School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH, Sweden

The Division of Fibre Technology is looking for a Ph.D. candidate in Tailored fibres with unique joint-forming ability using a biomimetic approach

KTH is the largest technical university in Sweden. Education and research cover a broad spectrum within natural sciences and engineering, as well as architecture, industrial engineering and management, urban planning, work science and environmental engineering. There are circa 13,300 full-year undergraduate students, 1,500 postgraduate students and 3,900 employees.

The School of Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Fibre and Polymer technology. We focus on the principles for design, analysis and understanding of molecular systems plus their application on, for example, bioorganic materials, energy transformation processes, the environment and production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. KTH Chemical Science and Engineering are one of the most active in research among technical faculties in Sweden and we are in the frontline within our areas. We also offer education as Master of Engineering and bachelor’s degree.

Research subject

The objective of the project is fiberbased products with unique mechanical properties. This should be met by tailoring the joint between the fibres so that the fibrous materials can tolerate a large strain during network preparation while being ductile/stiff/wet-strong in their final application. The scientific challenge will be to molecularly modify the cellulose-based fibres and fibrils in a well defined way to achieve the desired properties. Among other strategies, biomimicking will be used to adapt similar strategies as that used by mussel and Gecco-lizards that lead to extremely durable joints to slippery and flat surfaces both under wet and also dry conditions. The research area has a multidisciplinary character where physical chemistry is mixed both with biomechanics and solid mechanics.

The PhD student will be a member of BiMaC Innovation, a strategic research centre at KTH financed by the industry and Vinnova with the outspoken ambition to produce new and improved products from the wood raw material. One of the main strategies with the centre is to become a world leading biomaterials research centre by combining different generic sciences at the KTH campus such as solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, physical chemistry and fibre and polymer technology. The centre is now entering its second phase which means that the infrastructure for cooperation between the different schools at the KTH campus is already established. The PhD student in Fibre Technology will hence be member of a interdisciplinary team allowing for a more efficient development of new materials from the wood raw material.

Qualifications

MSc in Surface Chemistry/Surface Physics , Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or similar. Special qualifications in Fibre Technology, Surface and Colloid Science or Polymer Chemistry will be regarded as an advantage . An ambition and ability to improve the competence in solid mechanics ia also a prerequisite for the position and oral and written communication skills in English are also important.
Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies, possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis as well as possessing good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities.

KTH aims to employ a diversity of talent and thus welcomes applicants who will add to the variety of the University, especially as concerns its gender structure.

Employment

Form of employment: Time-limited
Start time: according to agreement

Application

The application should be sent in hard copy to:
KTH Skolan för kemivetenskap
Ulla Schött
Teknikringen 50
100 44 Stockholm

The application should be marked with the reference number K–2010-0226 and shall include cover letter, CV, transcripts from university/university college, brief description of why the applicant wishes to become a doctoral student, the name of three references and mail address and telephone number.

Application deadline: May 31, 2010
Employer’s reference number: K-2010-0226

Contact

Lars WÃ¥gberg, Professor,
Phone: +46 (0)8 790 8294
Mobile: +46 (0)70 551 4829

wagberg@kth.se
For more information please look at:

http://ping.fm/DEZ7h
Union representative

Rikard Lingström, SACO
Phone: +46 (0)8 790 8292

rlm@kth.se
Application Deadline : 31 May 2010

Web Link

http://ping.fm/TXVvl