PhD in Chemical upgrading of polyphenols for advanced functional materials

Aalto University; Espoo; Sur place; EUR 32 000 - 38 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Aalto University in Espoo, Finland invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Chemical Upgrading of Polyphenols for Advanced Functional Materials. The Bioproduct Chemistry group seeks to replace fossil-based materials with renewable biomaterials, combining chemistry and surface science with machine learning.

The candidate will work at the crossroads of natural products chemistry, material science, and industry, developing fractionation and modification routes for polyphenols and linking

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering.
• Strong interest in organic and surface chemistry.
• Multidisciplinary, international collaboration experience beneficial.
• Good written and spoken English.

Responsabilités

• Develop efficient fractionation and modification routes for polyphenols.
• Establish structure–property–performance relationships linking chemical composition and particle size to application performance.
• Combine wet-chemistry characterization with molecular modeling and machine learning.
• Collaborate with international academic and industrial partners.

Connaissances

Organic chemistry

Surface chemistry

Programming

Formation

Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering

Outils

NMR

AFM

DLS

GPC

FTIR

Zeta potential

Description du poste

Aalto University

Application closes on Unit Job category Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including more than 440 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

Doctoral Researcher: Chemical Upgrading of Polyphenols for Advanced Functional Materials

About the Bioproduct Chemistry group

The Bioproduct Chemistry group, lead by Professor Monika Österberg, aims to replace fossil‑based materials with renewable biomaterials from natural resources, especially forest biomass. We specialize in bio‑based materials science and the surface chemistry of lignocellulosic materials, with emphasis on fundamental insights and interaction forces.

Research Themes

• Renewable and recyclable materials from cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses
• Valorization of polyphenolic side streams and greener processes (e.g., mechanochemistry, surface modification)
• Interfacial phenomena and development of biobased barriers, foams, and emulsions
• Advanced textile recycling, including flotation‑based methods

PhD Project Scope

In this PhD project, you will work at crossroads of natural products chemistry, material science, and industry, specifically:

• Develop efficient fractionation and modification routes for polyphenols, including solvent‑free reactive extrusion
• Establish structure–property–performance relationships linking chemical composition and particle size to application performance
• Combine wet‑chemistry characterization (e.g., 1H/13C/ 2D NMR, AFM, DLS, GPC, FTIR, zeta potential) with molecular modeling and machine learning
• Collaborate with international academic and industrial partners

Candidate Profile

• A curious, ambitious researcher with strong interest in organic and surface chemistry, specifically lignin/polyphenol chemistry
• Problem‑solver with good time‑management and communication skills
• Advantageous (but not required): experience with surface‑sensitive techniques, synthetic and preparative organic chemistry,lignin analytics, colloids, polymer processing, programming (e.g., Python/R/Matlab), molecular simulation or machine learning
• Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering
• Good written and spoken English, and ability to work in a multidisciplinary international team
• Hands‑on laboratory experience in relevant areas

Contract & Salary

We offer a fixed‑term contract initially for two years. During the first 6 months, you must apply for and receive the right to study in the doctoral programme in Chemical Engineering. After a successful evaluation by the end of the first 2‑year contract, the contract can be extended. Extension of the contract is typically based on the progress evaluation, revised project plan and available funding.

The starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is about 3140 €/month (gross).

Access to Aalto’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities in an international research group.

Contact

For further information about the research project and research environment/group, please contact Dr. Nicolò Pajer ([e-mail]) or Prof. Monika Österberg ([e-mail]).

Career & Employer Branding

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Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto and check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi

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