"Doctoral researcher in the field of lignocellulose chemistry"

We are now looking for a Doctoral researcher in the field of lignocellulose chemistry. Are you interested in research and working towards the future of forest products and lignocellulose chemistry? We are now looking for a motivated co-worker to a team that is passionate about forest resources, biomass, wood polymers, materials and their future perspective.

Scientific environment

The position is open in the research group lignocellulosic chemistry headed by Prof. Tiina Nypelö. The laboratories are situated within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems. The department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), one of the three departments in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, has an internationally leading reputation in basic and applied research for the development of advanced materials from natural resources. It is one of the leading European research and higher education institutions in the field of sustainable chemistry and engineering based on the utilization of renewable resources. Bio2 aims to contribute to the development of novel solutions to move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce materials with fewer inputs, less environmental impact and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Within bioscience, the department has research in bioprocess technology, molecular biotechnology, enzyme technology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biomolecular, and biohybrid materials. Other strengths of the department include sustainable materials and products based on lignocellulose, ranging from nanomaterials to novel cellulose-based textiles.

Your role and goals

The doctoral researcher will be working in a project investigating metal cation coordination with cellulose for fiber functionalization. The aim for the doctoral researcher is to become an expert in lignocellulose chemistry with a twist of inorganic chemistry.

Your experience and ambitions

The candidate is expected to have a keen interest to work in the lab, learn how to build your own instruments, perform your own experiments, and analyze your results, as well as excellent student track records. The applicant must have completed a master’s degree awarded by a university, or a study programme that in the awarding country gives eligibility for doctoral level studies in organic or inorganic chemistry, surface chemistry, chemistry, or similar. A good command of English is required; Finnish language is not. Applicants must fulfill the admission criteria of the Aalto Doctoral Programme, and the selected candidate should apply for, obtain and accept the right to pursue doctoral studies at Aalto University. For more information on the general requirements and the application process for doctoral studies, please visit https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-studies.

What we offer

Opportunity to work in a dynamic community of world-class researchers and professionals where students are rigorously selected and highly motivated. We have a flexible modern work culture and value the balance and well-being of work and leisure. The starting date of employment is during autumn 2025. The selected candidate will initially be granted a one-year employment contract with possibility of extension. Doctoral studies at Aalto University take approximately four years. The annual workload is 1612 hours. The starting salary is approximately 3075 €/month (gross), and it increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare, excellent learning and development opportunities, and a commuter ticket benefit. We work in a hybrid way, and the primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo.

Join us!

To apply, please submit the following application materials through our recruitment site by Friday October 10th, 2025: Letter of motivation (max. one page), a curriculum vitae with complete study and employment history and contact details of two referees, a study transcript, a copy of the M.Sc. degree certificate or equivalent, and a plan for obtaining certificate of language knowledge if needed. All material should be submitted in English and in a PDF file.