Arbetsbeskrivning

Assistant professor/Associate professor to the Wallenberg Wood Science Center Are you passionate about creating novel materials for a sustainable future? The Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) seeks to recruit an Assistant or Associate Professor in Fundamental Characterization, Processing, Manufacturing or Modelling of Biomass or Biomass-Derived Materials and Products, with a strong scientific track record and a desire to develop their independent research career in a highly diverse, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment. Research focus We are looking for a highly qualified scientist with a focus on: • Cutting-edge experimental or theoretical characterization methods • Processing or manufacturing techniques • In-depth modelling of biomass or biomass-derived materials Other key topics of interest include: • polymer science • enzyme science • Recycling and reuse of materials In this position, you are not expected to focus on both theory and experiment but should instead demonstrate a specific research track. Start-up support and research opportunities The successful candidate will receive a generous start-up package of 19 MSEK (≈1,7 MEUR) providing the opportunity to build an independent research line. The candidate is expected to build a research group with expertise in one of the following areas: • Characterization of the plant cell wall, its components, or derived products • Molecular characterization of biomass and polymer interactions • Processing, modification, and manufacturing of biomass or biomass-derived materials • Correlative electron microscopy • Scattering techniques (including synchrotron-based X-ray scattering techniques) • Soft matter modelling, such as molecular dynamics simulations About WWSC WWSC is a leading research center focusing on creating new sustainable materials using wood as the starting point. Our mission is to create knowledge, scientific excellence, and develop critical competence for innovative value creation from trees. Multidisciplinary approach Chalmers University of Technology and WWSC welcome a multidisciplinary approach to this position, in line with our organizational structure and tradition of collaboration across departments and with external engagement from industry and society. The host department will be decided in dialogue with the selected candidate. Major responsibilities As a key member of the WWSC and Chalmers community, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials research. Your responsibilities will span from leading innovative research projects to mentoring the next generation of scientists, collaborating with leading experts, and contributing to both national and international research initiatives. Key responsibilities include: • Active engagement in research, developing a distinct line of research through independent research projects • Active contribution to education on all levels (normally comprises less than 20% of full-time duties) • Supervision of Master’s and doctoral students • Seek external research funding • Take part in joint departmental and university-wide tasks • Contribute to WWSC-related activities • Participate in high-level international collaborations • Collaborate with other research groups • Disseminate research results and engage in outreach to society Your profile We are seeking a scientist with the competence and experience to contribute to research and education in the field of sustainable materials. The successful candidate will combine scientific excellence with collaborative skills and be ready to work in the interdisciplinary environment at Chalmers and WWSC. Requirements • PhD degree in a relevant field (biology, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, chemical engineering, materials science). Please note: For Assistant Professor, the PhD must be awarded within 7 years prior to the application deadline* • Post-doctoral appointment or equivalent at a university, institute, or organization other than where the PhD was obtained • Strong future research plan (see application procedure) • Research experience at a high level, demonstrated by: • Publications in leading journals of the applicant’s field of research • Invited presentations at leading conferences • Ability to engage in national and international collaborations • Pedagogical competence (e.g., preparation of own teaching materials, teaching experience, course evaluations) • Ability to attract external research funding • Proficiency in spoken and written English Merits • Experience of supervising Master’s and PhD students (required for a position as Associate Professor) • Skills in teamwork, leadership, organisation, and entrepreneurship If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses. * Exceptions are made for longer, documented periods resulting from parental leave or military service. The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use to determine eligibility. Employment conditions and benefits WWSC offers: • Financial support for four (4) years • A start-up grant for establishing the research lab • Instrumentation, as well as PhD student position(s) and/or Postdoc position(s) • Total support package amounting to 19 MSEK (≈1,7 MEUR) • Relocation support, mentoring, and a leadership development package The university and host department will assume long-term support as tenured faculty. Chalmers provides a vibrant academic environment in Gothenburg, along with competitive employment conditions and benefits.  Contract terms The position is available at the level of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. • Associate Professor at Chalmers is a permanent faculty position. • Assistant Professor is a four-year, entry-level faculty position with tenure track, during which the candidate develops both pedagogical and research qualifications. The aim is to meet the criteria for promotion to Associate Professor within four years. Successful promotion will result in a permanent faculty position. Application procedure Apply on our website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14143 Application deadline: 4 November, 2025 For questions, please contact: Professor Lisbeth Olsson Email: [email protected] Phone: +46 31 772 3805