Postdoc Position in Biotechnology

Royal Institute of Technology

Reference Number: PA-2025-3883

Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health

Location: Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden

Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary (up to 2 years)

First Day of Employment: According to agreement

Application Deadline: 16 January 2026

Contact: Minna Hakkarainen – minna@kth.se, +46 (0)8 790 8271

Job Description

The Division of Polymer Technology at KTH is seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in sustainable and circular polymer materials with low environmental impact. The position is part of the EIC Pathfinder Challenge project “Biobased Thermal Resistant Food Packaging” (BORN).

Project Focus:
The project aims to design materials that are biobased, biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and suitable for food-contact applications. The postdoctoral work will focus on the characterization, biodegradation testing, and mechanical recycling of modified polylactide (PLA) materials.

More Information:

• Division of Polymer Technology
• BORN Project on CORDIS

Work Tasks

• Laboratory work with spectroscopic and chromatographic characterization of modified PLA materials.
• Testing biodegradability of the materials in selected environments.
• Evaluation of mechanical recyclability of the materials.
• Dissemination of results through scientific publications.
• Participation in project meetings (online and in-person) and reporting results.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant subject or equivalent foreign degree (must be completed by the time of employment decision).
• Scientific expertise demonstrated by high-quality publications in international journals.
• Strong experimental laboratory skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree obtained within the last three years.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with focus on gender equality.
• Research experience in polymer characterization, particularly spectroscopic techniques and biodegradation experiments.
• Strong skills in communicating research results in writing and orally.

Personal Qualities:

• Independent, proactive, and organized.
• Strong collaborative abilities within the research group and with external collaborators.
• Teaching abilities are an advantage.

Emphasis: Great importance will be placed on personal skills.

About KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, KTH promotes sustainability and offers a creative, dynamic working environment with attractive benefits. Equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are integral to KTH’s core values.

Learn more about working at KTH: KTH Careers

Application Instructions

Required documents:

1. CV, including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
2. Copies of diplomas and transcripts (translated into English or Swedish if necessary).
3. Brief statement (max 2 pages) outlining research interests, motivation, and how they relate to previous studies and future goals.

Submission: Applications must be submitted through KTH’s recruitment system. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.

Employment Details

• Type: Temporary postdoctoral position
• Contract: Full-time (100%)
• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Salary: Monthly, according to KTH regulations

Note: Certain positions may require a security clearance under the Protective Security Act (2018:585).

Trade Union Representatives

Contact information for trade union representatives is available via KTH.