Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Materials Characterization

SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITET

Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology Do you want to help shape the future of sustainable materials? We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to advance the design of next-generation bio-based adhesives that meet both sustainability targets and industrial performance requirements. In this project, you will combine cutting-edge approaches in polymer science and AI-driven modelling to develop predictive frameworks and high-performance adhesive systems for furniture, construction and packaging industries. You will work at the interface of fundamental science and real-world application, contributing to the transition toward a more sustainable materials economy. If you have a strong research background and a drive for innovation, this position offers an exciting opportunity to take the next step in your academic career! The recruitment is done within the BioGlue-Centre “Competence Centre for Bio-based Adhesives”, which is a Vinnova Competence Centre in Sustainable Industry and Digital Transformation. The vision of the Centre is to significantly reduce the dependency on fossil-based materials in the adhesive industry by developing paradigm-shifting knowledge of bio-based adhesives and becoming a world-leading research environment in Sweden. It is built around a network of top-scientists with expertise in polymer science, adhesives, technology, and sustainability located at the Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU (https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/department-of-forest-bioeconomy-and-technology/), the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology at KTH (https://www.kth.se/fpt/fibre-and-polymer-technology-1.778696), and the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology at Linnaeus University (https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/Organisation/faculty-of-technology/meet-the-faculty-of-technology/forestry-and-wood/). The Centre unites 13 companies along the value chain in furniture, packaging and construction sectors that share the same research questions around adhesives and adhesive bonding. About the position The development of bio-based adhesives is currently limited by a lack of predictive understanding of how formulation chemistry translates into material performance. This project addresses this challenge by establishing a data-driven framework for the rational design of high-performance bio-adhesives. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work on integrating experimental formulation, molecular-level characterization, and machine learning to develop predictive models linking chemical descriptors to adhesive properties. The work includes the development of a structured formulation library, systematic mapping of key performance indicators, and the implementation of data-driven optimization strategies to identify high-performing systems. Machine learning approaches will be used to uncover structure-property relationships and guide formulation design. The project combines experimental and computational approaches and includes validation of selected formulations on industrially relevant substrates. You will collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners and contribute to the development of a transferable predictive toolbox for next-generation sustainable adhesives. Your profile We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a doctoral degree obtained within the last three years in materials science, polymer science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in polymer formulation and structure-property relationships, particularly in the modification and crosslinking of bio-based or functional polymers for adhesive or related applications. Experience with advanced material characterisation techniques is expected. A strong interest in data-driven research is essential. Experience with modelling approaches, data analysis, or machine learning applied to materials or chemical systems is considered a strong merit. You are expected to have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, and a clear motivation to pursue an academic career. The ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment is essential. In the evaluation of candidates, particular emphasis will be placed on (1) scientific excellence in polymer and materials science, (2) experience or demonstrated potential in applying machine learning and data-driven approaches to materials or formulation design, and (3) the ability to contribute to and expand ongoing research activities within the group. About us The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU brings together expertise in technology, natural and social sciences. The department provides world-class interdisciplinary environment for research and education in the circular bioeconomy, with activities at the campuses in Umeå and Uppsala, and nationally and internationally. Our work spans the entire value chain of the forest-based bioeconomy – from analysing how resources can be used and governed to developing technologies, materials, and industrial processes for sustainable bio-based products and systems. The Department is responsible for education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and collaborates closely with both industry and academia nationally and internationally. With us, you can help shape a more sustainable bio-based society. For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/skoglig-bioekonomi-och-teknologi/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21086656031&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwMj3yOmalQMVdluRBR3n7yxAEAAYASAAEgKD_fD_BwE Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Uppsala Form of employment: Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Scope: 100% Start date: The position may start as agreed between both parties but not later than January 1, 2027. Application: Please submit your application before deadline 16 August 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

LUNDS UNIVERSITET

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. High-throughput SAXS for Lipid Nanoparticle Structure and Function Are you interested in developing next-generation scattering methods for one of the most important challenges in modern therapeutics? We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the CoSAXS beamline at MAX IV and the Edler Group, at Lund University to develop high-throughput SAXS/WAXS approaches for understanding the structure and function of solid lipid nanoparticles. This 36 month position offers the opportunity to work at one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron facilities, within an international and interdisciplinary research environment spanning soft matter physics, structural biology, nanomedicine, and advanced data analysis. The fellowship is funded through the prestigious AMBER Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme. The Research Environment The position is hosted jointly by the CoSAXS beamline and the Edler goup at Lund University. CoSAXS (https://www.maxiv.lu.se/beamlines-accelerators/beamlines/cosaxs/) is a state-of-the-art SAXS/WAXS beamline operating on the 3 GeV storage ring at MAX IV, one of the world’s leading fourth-generation synchrotron sources. The beamline supports research in soft matter, biological materials, and nanostructured systems through advanced instrumentation and flexible sample environments. The Edler Group ( https://www.cas.lu.se/research/materials-chemistry/edler-research-group) focuses on understanding how hierarchical functional materials form and how this understanding can be used to design new materials with tailored properties. Research in the group centres on self-assembly processes involving nanoparticles, surfactants, polymers, lipid systems, and other soft matter components, with particular emphasis on how nanoscale interactions govern structure and function across multiple length scales. The group combines advanced scattering and diffraction methods with a broad suite of complementary characterisation techniques such as TEM, SEM, AFM, NMR, light scattering, XRD, and neutron scattering approaches. The project also involves collaboration with researchers at ESS and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source as part of the ESS First Science initiative “The Lifecycle of a Lipid Nanoparticle.” The Project: High-throughput SAXS for Visualising Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Lipid nanoparticles are rapidly transforming the field of drug delivery, including RNA therapeutics and precision medicine. Despite their importance, many fundamental questions remain about how nanoparticle structure governs encapsulation, stability, transport, and biological performance. This project aims to establish direct links between nanoscale structure and function in lipid nanoparticles using advanced synchrotron SAXS/WAXS methods at MAX IV. The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in developing new experimental and analytical capabilities for high-throughput lipid nanoparticle characterisation at CoSAXS. The work combines synchrotron experiments, advanced scattering analysis, and collaborative method development. The successful candidate will: design, plan, and perform SAXS/WAXS experiments on solid lipid nanoparticles and related soft matter systems develop high-throughput workflows for nanoparticle characterisation at CoSAXS investigate nanoparticle formation pathways, internal organisation, and structural evolution analyse scattering data using advanced computational approaches, including atomistic and coarse-grained modelling contribute to the development of data analysis tools for complex nanoparticle systems participate in neutron and synchrotron experiments at international large-scale facilities support relevant user experiments and contribute to the broader scientific activities of the beamline train and support users in scattering workflows and analysis methods contribute to supervision of student projects and collaborative research activities disseminate research through publications, conference presentations, workshops, and international collaborations The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute both to frontier research in nanostructured therapeutics and to the development of next-generation experimental methods for the wider scientific community. We are looking for an ambitious and collaborative researcher with strong experimental and analytical skills. Applicants should have: PhD in a relevant science area, biophysics, lipid/amphiphile based physical chemistry or equivalent Proven expertise in SAXS/WAXS and data interpretation Proven experience in the use of synchrotron SAXS/WAXS for lipid or surfactant self-assembled structure determination Documented expertise in data reduction and analysis using scripting (ideally python-based) Experience carrying out SAXS/WAXS experiments at large scale facilities, ideally from self-authored proposals Working experience with soft matter and/or protein systems including sample preparation for SAXS measurements Ability to work independently and take initiatives Strong social and communication skills Good command of written and spoken English Experience with lipid systems, surfactants, nanoparticle self-assembly, atomistic modelling, or beamline environments will be considered an advantage. For the full advert and application, go here: https://lu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:939549/

LULEÅ TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a natural part of the work? With us, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy strong opportunities to attract external funding. You will have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large. The subject area of Polymeric composite materials at Luleå University of Technology is now announcing a postdoctoral position. The position focuses on fundamental research on high-performance, thermo-oxidatively stable advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The position focuses on fundamental research on high-performance, thermo-oxidatively stable advanced fibre-reinforced composites.   Subject description   Polymeric Composite Materials is a research area comprising the study of processes and mechanisms that influence the performance and properties of fiber reinforced composites, as well as the know-how regarding their manufacturing techniques.   Project description   The recruitment is carried out with the aim of, through fundamental materials science research on the properties of temperature-resistant candidate resins, developing a deep understanding of new temperature-resistant material combinations. This understanding will be used to establish theoretical models describing the relationship between manufacturing and performance. The ultimate goal is to enable continuous use of new materials in highly demanding environments.   Duties   The candidate will become part of a research group working on validating experimentally verified physical phenomena using relevant material models, as well as development of high-performance composites for a wide range of applications.   Qualifications   To be eligible for the position, the applicant must hold a doctoral degree, or equivalent, in composite materials, materials science and engineering, polymer science, polymer engineering, computational materials science, applied physics, mechanical engineering, physical chemistry, or related fields. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.   Good proficiency in spoken and written English is required. You should be able to work in a team, take initiative, and have strong collaborative skills.   Additional qualifications include expertise in material characterization, particularly of polymers and composite materials. Competence in curing reactions of thermosetting polymers, practical composite manufacturing, thermochemical and mechanical characterization, as well as modelling of thermo-mechanical properties of composites is also meritorious, as is experience with X-ray tomography and the application of methods—including AI-assisted methods—for data analysis.   The selected candidate must comply with applicable export control legislation, as well as any customer and supplier requirements regarding security and information management. Access to certain information and technology within the assignment is restricted in accordance with applicable export control regulations and license conditions. Only individuals who can be authorized for such access under these regulations may participate in the parts of the assignment covered by these restrictions.   Further information   Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Estimated starting date is December 1, 2026.   For further information about the position, please contact Patrik Fernberg, (+46) 920 492883, mailto:patrik.fernberg@ltu.se   Union representatives:   SACO-S Diana Chroneér, (+46) 920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 mailto:marita.vesterberg@ltu.se   In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.   Application   We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.   Closing date for applications: 6 of August 2026 Reference number: 3680-2026