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

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 363,000 - 435,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Dynamic working environment in Gothen­

Move To Gothenburg relocation info

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a Doctoral student in Materials Science focused on enabling predictive design of 3D-shaped products from pulp fibres. The project combines experiments, mechanics and multiscale characterisation to reveal how fibre properties govern formability, damage and shape retention in 3D forming.

You will collaborate across Chalmers, KTH and industry partners within FibRe, with eight areas of advance and a teaching commitment up to 20% of full-time

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Fibre & Polymer Technology or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience from experimental research, thesis work, or industrial projects related to materials, mechanics, polymers, or modelling.

Responsibilities

• Take advanced courses within Chalmers graduate education.
• Perform experiments, multiscale characterisation and data analysis to develop predictive design principles for fibre-based manufacturing.
• Publish in journals and present at conferences, collaborate with industrial partners.
• Contribute to development of sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
• Teaching at Chalmers’ undergraduate level up to 20% of full-time work.

Skills

Strong English communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Data analysis

Interpret complex data

Education

Master's degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Finite Element Methods

Job description

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

REF 2026-0495

Do you want to help create the next generation of sustainable 3 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

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

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.

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 our benefits for 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.

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 .

We welcome your application no later thanNovember 20

For questions, please contact:

Prof. Anette Larsson
[e-mail]

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.***

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.

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.
The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!