Postdoctoral position in Forest Biomaterials with specialization in biological stability of natural polymers

The Faculty of Technology has a broad range of activities spanning nine different departments through which Linnaeus University conducts education and research. The educational programs in technology range from short courses lasting a few weeks or months to five-year engineering programs. The research addresses society's needs in several broad areas - both in the short and long term - with basic and applied research in collaboration with stakeholders.

The Department of Forestry and Wood Technology conducts thematic activities from seedlings to finished products from the forest. The focus of the activities is the forest as a resource with its climate benefits throughout the life cycle. Research is ongoing in many disciplines such as forest management, forest economics, forest ecology, digitalization of forestry, forest damage, forest soil science, and wood science. The department offers courses and educational programs in forestry and wood technology at both undergraduate and advanced levels.

Subject area for the position: Forest Materials
Location until further notice: Växjö
Hours and term: Temporary employment 100% for 2 years
Starting date: As soon as possible.

Job description
The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass by converting into value-added materials will provide great opportunities for economic growth and promote a circular bioeconomy. However, the properties of the polymers extracted from lignocellulosic biomass largely depend on the plant origin as well as the separation and extraction processes, which affect their durability and stability in the final products. Therefore, there is a great demand to understand the factors influencing the biological stability of natural polymers. This postdoctoral position aims to develop knowledge on the degradation mechanisms of natural polymers derived from various bio-based resources, a critical step in improving their stability for diverse applications.

Therefore, besides the scientific tasks, the position also includes responsibility for research communication by participating in national and international meetings, and support service for analytical equipment. Publishing popular science and scientific articles is a central part of the work.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to actively participate in the department's environment and networking both internally and externally, as well as develop new project ideas and seek project funding. A certain amount of teaching and supervision at basic, advanced and/or postgraduate levels may be included in the duties.

In addition to the mentor’s group, the postdoc will collaborate with national and international experts in the field. 

Qualifications
Anyone who has a doctorate in biochemistry, microbiology, biomaterials, or in another relevant subject, or has a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctorate.

Since employment as a postdoctoral fellow is career-developing, we are primarily looking for candidates who have completed their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline.

An applicant must not previously have been employed as a postdoc for more than a year within the same or a related subject area at Linnaeus University.

Eligibility for this position also requires demonstrated scientific skill in the area previously mentioned. The position also requires excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, as well as a good ability to work independently and in a group.

Assessment criteria
Theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and methodological competence in the biological stability of natural polymers against mold, fungi, and enzymatic degradation are meritorious. Good scientific publication rate and experience in acquiring and applying for external research funding are desirable. A postdoc fellow is part of a research team; consequently, flexibility and the ability to cooperate and collaborate are given great importance. Documented experience in research on biological degradation assessment of biopolymers. In the overall assessment of the scientific skill, special emphasis is placed on the applicant's potential for a successful career as a teacher and researcher.

When the university employs new teachers, the choice should fall on those applicants who, based on a qualitative, holistic assessment of competence and skills, are considered most likely to successfully perform and develop relevant tasks and contribute to the successful development of the organization.

Contact
Main Mentor: Associate Professor Reza Hosseinpourpia, 0470-70 80 74, reza.hosseinpourpia@lnu.se
Head of the department: Erika Olofsson, 0470-70 89 99, erika.olofsson@lnu.se
HR partner: Jesper Pettersson, jesper.pettersson@lnu.se

Do you want to know more about the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology? Read more at Lnu.se

Welcome with your application accordning to instruction, last day to apply is 14 September 2025

Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Your application should be designed according to the Template for application which can be found in the Guide to Appointment procedures under important documents below the ad. The credentials you invoke must be verified with certification and they must be attached digitally in your application. Other documents, including various types of scientific works, must be submitted digitally along with the application. The application and other documents to be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 23.59 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.

Linnaeus University is an employer that meets the requirements of the European Charter for Researchers and follows the recruitment guidelines. Therefore, the university has received the HR Excellence in Research award.

Please note that a valid identification must be presented at the time of the interview.

URL to this page
https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/work-with-us/vacancies-page/?rmpage=job&rmjob=8690&rmlang=UK