Junior researcher (doctoral student) in pulping technology

The Department of Separation Science of LUT University is hiring a junior researcher (doctoral student) for the project Emission Free Pulping funded by Business Finland.
In this position, you will be working as part of the Emission Free Pulping (EFP) project group. The EFP project represents a ground-breaking initiative aiming to challenge and revolutionize current pulping processes and develop novel pulping concepts to drastically reduce CO2 emissions. The EFP consortium, coordinated by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, consists of ten research organizations operating in the forest industry globally. In the project, LUT focuses on testing novel pulping concepts and analysing their implementation as well as analysing fibre and liquid products in LUT University labs in Lahti.
Qualification and assessment
We are looking for a motivated junior researcher who has an education background in biorefineries, pulping, or chemical engineering/technology. Experience in wood science, lignocellulose chemistry, biomass, fibre characterization, or other closely related fields is valued.
Applicants must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., biorefineries, chemical engineering, wood science, lignocellulose chemistry, or closely related fields), the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University. Junior researchers need to obtain the right to complete doctoral studies at LUT within the first three months of their employment relationship.
What we value

• Excellent oral and written skills in English
• Good knowledge of and research experience in biorefinery and pulping processes
• Experience in experimental work related to R&D or commercial pilot/full-scale plant operation
• Good knowledge of and research experience in biomass and fibre characterization and lignocellulose chemistry

Applicants are assessed based on the above and possible results of research in a relevant field or related subjects. In addition, candidates must have the ability and motivation to complete the doctoral studies within the normative duration of the studies for the degree (i.e., four years).
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.
Employment relationship and pay
The employment starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies have progressed satisfactorily in the first year.
The work can start as soon as possible or as agreed. The job location is the LUT School of Engineering Sciences in Lahti, Finland. The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.
Applications
The deadline for applications is 6 October 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC + 3 h).
Please fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• Motivation letter highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
• Scanned copies of your original degree certificates (bachelor’s, master’s) and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English. If your degree is still unfinished, provide an official estimate of your graduation date confirmed by your supervisor or school.
• List of publications.
• Contact information of two people who can provide references.

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered.