Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemistry: Separation and Process Modelling at Karlstad University, Sweden

Overview

Karlstad University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemistry, specialising in separation science and process modelling. The position is situated within the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences and is part of the major eight-year multidisciplinary project Infinity Fiber. The project addresses key challenges across the forest-based value chain in collaboration with multiple industry partners.

Position Summary

Research Area & Job Description

This postdoctoral appointment focuses on separation science and process modelling related to forest-based processes within the Infinity Fiber project. The successful candidate will work closely with other postdoctoral fellows, senior researchers, and 14 industrial partners.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting research in separation science (including thermal and adsorptive separation processes) and process engineering.
• Developing separation models, simulating, and evaluating separation and purification processes for the selective recycling and valorisation of valuable components from complex process streams.
• Conducting chemical characterisation and experimental investigations focused on monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, lignin-related components, and degradation products.
• Formulating strategies to remove or suppress components that limit fibre circularity, recyclability, and material performance.
• Translating research findings into sustainable, robust, and circular industrial solutions.
• Collaborating actively across departments (chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental and energy systems) and with industrial partners.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

• A completed PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or an equivalent international degree, with a specialisation in separation science and process modelling. The PhD must be awarded before the employment decision is finalized.
• The PhD degree must have been completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline (exceptions are granted for parental leave, military service, illness, or relevant union/clinical service).
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research as well as collaborate within interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Assessment Criteria & Desirable Skills

• Special weight: Documented research experience and publications in separation science and process modelling; completed master’s or doctoral coursework in separation engineering and process modelling.
• Considerable weight: Experience combining experimental data with predictive models, and proven experience in industry-academia collaborative projects.
• Additional weight: Prior research experience with lignocellulosic materials, biomass, fibre recycling, or forest-industry streams, as well as mobility (research visits/work at other universities or abroad).
• Meritorious: Experience in Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Quality by Design (QbD), machine learning tools, or proficiency in Swedish.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the university’s Varbi recruitment platform. Ensure that all supporting documents are translated into English, Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish.

Your application packet should contain:

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Cover letter describing your qualifications, research interests, and suitability for the position.
3. Account of administrative experience and language proficiencies.
4. Complete list of publications (specifying your role in multi-authored papers).
5. Copy of PhD diploma or documented proof of completed doctoral degree.
6. Up to 10 relevant scientific publications and up to 5 knowledge-conveying materials (e.g., textbook chapters, pedagogical software, science articles).
7. Contact information for at least two professional references (with at least one being a former or current supervisor).

Application Deadline & Links

Last Date for Apply: 24 November 2026

Apply Online via Official Portal