About this role
Information about the research/the project/the division When working towards a bio based society, replacing the use of fossil raw materials with renewable resources is a vital challenge. Central to overcoming this challenge is the development of a biorefinery to replace today’s oil based refineries. The development of such wood based biorefinery is at the heart of our research group: forest products and chemical engineering. For this future biorefinery, membrane separations can be expected to be one of the most important separation operations and to ensure that it can be properly dimensioned and optimised a good understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved is required. This project focuses on the recovery of hemicelluloses (which makes up 20-30wt% of the wood) from extraction streams containing mixtures of wood constituents. Today in the dominating chemical process for pulp production hemicelluloses are to a large extent degraded and burnt. However if these hemicelluloses can be recovered they could be used in e.g. biobased composites and barrier films. The project will combine development and application of advanced characterisation methods for membrane fouling, formed during separation and fractionation of biorefinery streams using membrane ultrafiltration. The aim is to develop strategies to limit the extent and effect of fouling to enable the use of energy efficient membrane operations for the recovery of hemicelluloses. The selected post-doc will get a 13 months scholarship. Hence the applicant must not have lived in Sweden for the past three years nor have earned the PhD degree more than two years prior to the application deadline. Major responsibilities The focus of this post-doc project is to use novel methods to investigate and characterise fouling behaviour during crossflow filtration of streams of wood constituents relevant to the biorefinery concept. The project will include the use of a unique test rig using a fluid dynamic gauging (FDG) probe as well as other advanced characterisation methods. The use of FDG in investigation of membrane fouling behaviour is an emerging method and still in development, something that this project will contribute towards. The position will involve experimental work and method development, as well as modelling efforts and writing of scientific articles. This is in many respects a hands-on role, which will require an innovative and creative approach to laboratory test studies. Position summary The position is limited to a maximum of 13 months, with a scholarship. Qualifications To qualify for the position of post-doc stipend, you need a doctoral degree in chemical engineering or a similar that is earned no earlier than two years prior to the application deadline. The candidate must be skilled in chemical engineering laboratory and modelling work. Experience of membrane separation/filtration and knowledge of wood chemistry and chemical analysis, as well as physical characterisation methods is a merit. User knowledge of Labview and Matlab is also a merit. As Chalmers is a highly international workplace good proficiency in English along with excellent collaboration skills is required. Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers. Our offer to you Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. Read more about working at Chalmers. Application procedure The application should be marked with Ref 20180483 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below: CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including: • CV, include complete list of publications • Two references that we can contact. Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number) including: • 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications. • Previous research fields and main research results. • Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in? Other documents: • Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped). Application deadline: 10 October, 2018 For questions, please contact: Assistant Professor, Tuve Mattsson, [email protected] , +46 31 772 31 02 *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***