Doctoral student in Material Science - Enable predictive design of 3D-shaped products based on pulp fibres

Chalmers University of Technology; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 363,000 - 435,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg invites applications for a Doctoral student position within the FibRe Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics. This four-year funded project aims to transform pulp-fibre manufacturing into predictive design, combining experiments, mechanics and multiscale characterisation.

You will study how fibre properties and processing influence formability of lignocellulosic materials, develop predictive principles, publish in journals, and collaborate

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Fibre and Polymer Technology, Wood Technology, Engineering Physics, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Documented experience from experimental research, thesis work, or industrial projects related to materials, mechanics, manufacturing, polymers, fibre-based materials, or modelling.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex experimental data
• Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly in multidisciplinary and international environments.

Responsibilities

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Chalmers graduate education system.
• Conduct research to understand how fibre properties, material structure and processing influence formability of lignocellulosic materials into complex 3D products.
• Develop predictive design principles for fibre-based manufacturing and communicate results through publications and conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers from Chalmers, KTH and industrial partners within FibRe.
• The position includes teaching at the undergraduate level up to 20% of full-time employment.

Job description

Do you want to help create the next generation of sustainable 3D products from pulp fibres? In this Doctoral project, you will combine materials science, mechanics and multiscale characterisation to establish predictive design rules for transforming fibres into advanced products. You will contribute to research with the potential to replace fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives.

About Us

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering pushes the knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering forward in a broad field of research and education. We offer an international environment, with scientific areas ranging from fundamental chemistry, health and medical technology, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, theory and modelling.

The Division of Applied Chemistry

We primarily focus on applied research, that is, research aimed at addressing societal challenges and that is ready for implementation either immediately or in the near future. Examples of application areas include fossil-free fuels and energy systems, electronic devices, health and technology, the utilisation of fibres and forest-based materials, and various forms of catalysis.

About The Research Project

This Doctoral project aims to transform fibre-based manufacturing from trial-and-error development to predictive design. You will combine experiments, mechanical analysis and multiscale material characterisation to uncover how fibre properties govern deformability, damage, spring-back and shape retention in 3D forming processes.

Can pulp fibres be engineered into complex 3D products that rival conventional plastics?

Who We Are Looking For

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (120 credits) or an equivalent degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Fibre and Polymer Technology, Wood Technology, Engineering Physics, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Documented experience from experimental research, thesis work, or industrial projects related to materials, mechanics, manufacturing, polymers, fibre-based materials, or modelling.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret complex experimental data
• Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly in multidisciplinary and international environments.

The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application

• Experience with fibre-based materials, polymers, paper, packaging, or other sustainable material systems.
• Experience in experimental materials characterisation, mechanical testing, microscopy, image analysis, or related analytical techniques.
• Experience with data analysis, modelling, finite element methods, or programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar tools).
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and communicating scientific results in written reports or presentations.

What You Will Do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Chalmers graduate education system and actively participate in the research environment of the FibRe Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics, a Vinnova Competence Centre bringing together academia and industry.
• Conduct research aimed at understanding how fibre properties, material structure and processing conditions influence the formability of lignocellulosic materials into complex three-dimensional products. You will combine experimental studies, multiscale characterisation and data analysis to develop predictive design principles for fibre-based manufacturing.
• Develop your own scientific ideas and communicate research results through publications in international journals, presentations at conferences, and interactions with industrial partners.
• Collaborate with researchers from Chalmers, KTH and industrial partners within FibRe, contributing to the development of sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
• The position generally includes teaching at Chalmers' undergraduate level or other departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of full-time employment.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• The successful candidate will be employed by Chalmers University of Technology and enrolled in the doctoral education programme upon admission.
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
• The doctoral student will be part of the FibRe Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics, a VINNOVA Competence Centre involving close collaboration with academic and industrial partners and Area of Advance Production.

What We Offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and ourbenefitsfor employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

For Questions, Please Contact

Prof. Anette Larsson

[e-mail]

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.