Postdoctoral Researcher in Process Efficiency for Nitrocellulose

Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan · Full-time

Brinellvägen 8, Stockholm, Sweden

Job Responsibilities Do you want to make nitrocellulose manufacturing more resource-efficient and sustainable? We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the Svenskt Krut competence center at KTH, where academia, government agencies, and industry work together to strengthen Sweden's capabilities in nitrocellulose (NC). In this project, we analyze the nitration process and sub-processes for recovering and reusing acids, wash water, and solvents. Your role is to map and quantify process and waste streams, establish mass balances, and evaluate recovery techniques such as distillation, membrane processes, and sorption. You will conduct laboratory and small-scale pilot experiments on the most promising solutions, perform a techno-economic analysis, and develop a proposal for a more sustainable process. Process flow simulation and AI-assisted data analysis are central tools. The work takes place at the Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology and in collaboration with FOI and industry partners. Qualifications Requirements Completed doctoral degree or foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made. Documented scientific expertise in chemical engineering, process engineering, or a related field, demonstrated through publications. Experience with mass balances, flow simulation, or separation and recovery techniques (e.g., distillation, membrane, or sorption). Very good knowledge of English in speech and writing, as required in daily work. As a person, you are independent, proactive, and have good collaborative skills in an interdisciplinary environment. Swedish citizenship. Meriting Factors At the application deadline, no more than three years since completing your doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree. Experience with techno-economic analysis or sustainability assessment of processes. Experience with AI or data-driven process analysis. Experience working in an industry-related process environment, preferably with acids or waste streams. Pedagogical ability. Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with particular focus on gender equality. We will place great emphasis on personal qualities. Become Part of KTH KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and contributing to the transition to a sustainable society. Here you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Gender equality, diversity, and equal treatment are a quality issue and an integral part of KTH's values as a university and government agency. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH. Labor Union Representatives Contact information for labor union representatives. Application You apply through KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you have primary responsibility for ensuring your application is complete when submitted. The application should include: CV including relevant work experience and knowledge. Copy of degree certificate and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages. A brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximum 2 pages. The application must be received by KTH no later than the application deadline at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). About the Employment The employment is permanent, but for a maximum of two years A postdoctoral position is a fixed-term qualifying position primarily focused on research, intended as a first career step after completing your doctorate. Other Information For information on the processing of personal data in connection with recruitment. An employment at KTH may be placed in a security class. If this is the case for this position, a security check of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In such cases, approval after the security check is a requirement for employment. We decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment companies as well as job ad vendors.