Research Project Assistant, Building Technology in Sustainable Building Materials

Karlstads Universitet · Full-time

Universitetsgatan 2, Karlstad, Sweden

Sapere Aude – dare to be wise – is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge of societal importance that enriches the individual and the world. Our academic environment is characterized by curiosity, courage and openness, and there are close connections between people, roles, subjects and research. The foundation of our work is equality, diversity and a democratic perspective. We are located in Värmland, a nature-rich and culturally vibrant region where we are a driving force for sustainable development in close collaboration with society. Karlstad University has approximately 1,400 employees and 18,700 students distributed across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. Learn more about us at: kau.se/jobb Description Do you want to help drive the transition toward a climate-neutral society? At the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, we conduct research to develop tomorrow's environmentally friendly building materials. We are now seeking a motivated research assistant who will perform and assist in a project focused on utilizing renewable, forest industry by-products as bio-based binder supplements in structural concrete and evaluating its environmental performance. The project aims to enable the replacement of 20–50% of traditional cement by integrating functional bio-based biopolymers. The work builds on previous research in the field and combines practical laboratory development (management of hydration processes, microstructure and workability through adapted additives and pretreatments) with environmental systems analysis to evaluate the real climate benefit upon scaling up. Work Tasks The work will primarily involve: assisting with mixing, production and testing of concrete and cement paste recipes with bio-based binder components in a laboratory environment. handling laboratory equipment for material preparation, casting, testing and water curing. conducting measurements of fresh concrete properties and mechanical testing of hardened concrete. preparing test specimens for microscopic analyses and evaluating the effect of various pretreatment methods and additives. conducting LCA and compiling laboratory and LCA results for report and article writing You collaborate with the surrounding society for mutual exchange and work to ensure that the knowledge and expertise available at the university benefits society. To contribute to a good work environment and the development of operations, you are present and participate in daily work and community activities. Qualifications To be eligible for employment as a project assistant in building technology, you must hold a master's degree (or equivalent civil engineering degree) in building technology, materials engineering, environmental engineering, energy engineering or another area relevant to the position. Practical experience or solid theoretical knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is also required. Of particular importance are: experience with practical laboratory work, materials testing, laboratory safety and chemical handling, and maintenance of testing equipment. experience working with mixing machines (e.g., forced mixers) and mechanical testing equipment such as hydraulic presses. strong knowledge of both Swedish and English, in both speech and writing. Otherwise, you are thorough, organized and have practical skills in a laboratory environment. You have a good ability to connect laboratory results with comprehensive environmental assessments and to work both independently and in collaboration with project participants. All employees at Karlstad University must also have good ability to cooperate and treat colleagues and students with respect. They must also take responsibility for both the operations and their own work, and contribute to a good work environment. Terms The employment is a fixed-term position at half-time (50%) for ten months with the possibility of extension. Start as soon as possible or by agreement. Application You apply through the university's web-based recruitment tool Varbi. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the announcement, that any documents in languages other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English are translated, and that your qualifications are documented in a way that allows for a factual, qualitative assessment. A complete application must be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may result in your qualifications not being assessed in all respects. The application must contain: CV Cover letter describing your qualifications in relation to the work tasks Copies of relevant grades, diplomas and certificates Statement of language skills All documents you wish to be part of your application must be attached to the digital application. Name each uploaded document so it is clear what it contains. Application deadline: 2026-09-06 Reference number: REK2026/187 Welcome to apply! Karlstad University has made a medieval arrangement for this recruitment and therefore declines contact from ad sales representatives and recruitment service providers. HR Excellence in Research Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award in September 2020. The award is given to employers who have a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and continuously work to develop these. The award demonstrates the institution's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment and favorable professional development for researchers. Read more at kau.se/hrs4r.