Postdoc in biocomposites

Linköping University; Norrköpings kommun; On-site; SEK 426,535 - 510,904; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Individual salaries

Employee benefits information available

Job summary

Linköping University is seeking a Postdoc in the field of Nanocellulose, Wood, and Biocomposites to join the Laboratory of Organic Electronics. The successful candidate will conduct research on transparent wood and enhance cellulose biocomposites, focusing on mechanical performance and recyclability.

The role requires a PhD in polymer science or related fields, with strong experimental skills. The appointment is a full-time, temporary contract for two years, with potential for extension, and offers a competitive salary around 42,000 SEK/month.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent required.
• Degree must be awarded by LiU's employment decision date.
• PhD should be no older than three years unless justified.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research in cellulose biocomposites and transparent wood.
• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments.
• Engage in discussions with collaborators and report findings.

Skills

Experimental skills in materials preparation/synthesis

Characterization of structure and properties

Strong English language skills

Independence and ambition

Education

PhD in polymer science, composites, wood and cellulose science, or related area

Job description

Overview

We are now looking to appoint a postdoc in the Nanocellulose, Wood and Biocomposites area, placed at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Campus Norrköping.

Research area

Cellulose nanofibrils, isolated or in the wood cell wall, are unique building blocks for new materials, combining nanoscale dimension with excellent mechanical properties. New functionalities can be provided to such materials, which in combination with mechanical properties contribute strongly to sustainable development. Active research in this cellulose materials program includes materials design of multifunctional biocomposites, new polymers by in‑situ polymerization, chemical cellulose surface modification, process‑structure‑relationships in colloidal systems, new biocomposites by controlled nanostructuring, high resolution structural characterization, structure‑property relationships in novel composites as well as organic electronic devices.

Work assignments

As postdoc, you will principally carry out research. A certain amount of teaching may be part of your duties, up to a maximum of 20 % of working hours.

The project is on transparent wood or cellulose biocomposites combining mechanical performance, recyclability and optical properties. Prof Lars Berglund is leading the project. Materials are based on nanocellulose, wood fibers and/or wood. A key research question for transparent composites is how precise nano‑structural control influences physical properties. Previous research has covered a broad area related to polymer synthesis, nano‑structural cellulose control, chemical recycling/sustainability, mechanical and optical properties. Current challenges include the need for improved composites processing, lowering of composites light scattering, new optical and/or mechanical functions and improved polymer matrices. Depending on the competence and interest of the strongest candidate, specific objectives will be selected among the mentioned challenges. The work includes planning, execution and analysis of experiments, discussion with collaborators, oral and written reporting.

Qualifications

Applicants must have been awarded a doctoral degree or have an equivalent foreign degree. The degree must have been awarded at the latest by the point at which LiU makes its decision to employ you.

It is considered advantageous if your doctoral degree is no older than three years at application deadline for this job. If there are special reasons for having an older doctoral degree – such as taking statutory leave – then these may be taken into consideration.

For this position we require a PhD degree in polymer science and engineering, composites, wood and cellulose science, materials science and engineering or a related area. You should have strong experimental skills in areas of materials preparation/synthesis and characterization of structure and properties. Personal qualities we are looking for are independence and ambition, communication skills and qualities for collaborative and interdisciplinary research. Strong English language skills are expected from the successful candidate.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

The workplace

You will work at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics under the guidance of professor Lars A Berglund.

This employment is a temporary contract of two years with the possibility of extension up to a total maximum of three years. The employment is full‑time.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The university applies individual salaries. Standard salary is around 42 000 SEK/month.

More information about employee benefits is available.

Application

Applications and documents received after 31 July 2026 will not be considered. Applications must be received no later than that date.

Equal opportunities

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Preserving everybody’s equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are.