Summary
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is seeking a highly motivated Postdoc to join the competence centre Svenskt Krut. This role focuses on enhancing the resource efficiency and sustainability of nitrocellulose production through process analysis, mass balance establishment, and evaluation of recovery techniques. The project involves laboratory and pilot trials, techno-economic analysis, and the use of flow simulation and AI-supported data analysis.
Postdoc in Process Efficiency for Nitrocellulose at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Designation
Postdoc
Research Area
Process efficiency for nitrocellulose production, chemical engineering, process engineering, mass balances, flow simulation, separation and recovery techniques (distillation, membranes, sorption), techno-economic analysis, AI/data-driven process analysis.
Location
Stockholm, Sweden (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology)
Eligibility/Qualification
Requirements
- A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, or a closely related field. This must be met by the time of employment decision.
- Documented scientific expertise demonstrated through publications.
- Experience with mass balances, flow simulation, or separation and recovery techniques (e.g., distillation, membranes, or sorption).
- Very good command of English (spoken and written).
- Independent, initiative-taking, and strong collaborative skills in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Swedish citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctoral degree obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
- Experience in techno-economic analysis or sustainability assessment of processes.
- Experience in AI- or data-driven process analysis.
- Experience in an industry-related process environment, preferably with acids or residual streams.
- Teaching abilities.
- Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with a focus on gender equality.
Job Description
The successful candidate will work within the competence centre Svenskt Krut at KTH to make nitrocellulose production more resource-efficient and sustainable. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Analyzing the nitration process and sub-processes for the recovery and reuse of acids, washing water, and solvents.
- Mapping and quantifying process and residual streams.
- Establishing mass balances.
- Evaluating recovery techniques such as distillation, membrane processes, and sorption.
- Conducting laboratory and smaller pilot trials on promising solutions.
- Performing techno-economic analysis.
- Proposing a greener NC process.
- Utilizing flow simulation and AI-supported data analysis as central tools.
The work will be carried out at the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology in collaboration with FOI and industrial partners. This is a time-limited qualified appointment, primarily focused on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation, for a maximum of two years.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please log into KTH’s recruitment system. Ensure your application is complete according to the instructions provided. The application must include:
- CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
- Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish are required if original documents are not in these languages.
- A brief account (maximally two pages) detailing why you wish to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.
Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST.
Last Date for Apply
19.Sep.2026
Apply Link
