LOCATION: IZOLA/ISOLA, KOPER/CAPODISTRIA, SLOVENIA

TOPIC: Development of bio-based materials and formulations from industrial by-products rich in aromatic compounds

Description:

The University of Primorska is seeking a well-qualified and highly motivated PhD candidate. The research field focuses on the sustainable valorization of lignin and other by-products of wood industry rich in aromatic compounds for high added-value applications. The researcher will be also employed at the InnoRenew CoE (additional 20%) in the Wood Modification Group (led by Assoc Prof. Anna Sandak) under supervision of Dr. Oihana Gordobil and become a doctoral candidate at the University of Primorska (PhD study program Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments). The candidate will also be partially involved in the ERC project “Bioinspired living skin for architecture” (ARCHI-SKIN), GA #101044468, funded by European Research Council. The work locations will be in Izola and Koper, Slovenia.

What are we looking for:

The emphasis of this position is on the design and development of new bio-based formulations through the valorization of undervalued industrial by-products. The applicant should be proactive and motivated to perform interdisciplinary research covering from the synthesis and functionalization of lignin-based materials and formulations to their application and performance evaluation. Experience in lignocellulosic biomass, chemistry, pharmacy, materials science and colloidal systems as well as expertise in chromatography, microscopy, spectroscopy, and use of other laboratory equipment is desired. The applicant should have a good knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.

What skills we expect:

The ideal candidate should possess master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, pharmacy, colloidal science, material science or related fields, preferably with experience in biorefinery processes applied to lignocellulosic biomass and elaboration of bio-based materials and formulations. Further requirements include: excellent communication skills in English, ability to interact with the industry and other researchers, and ability to formulate and communicate new research ideas (research proposal preparation). The candidate is expected to have interest in interdisciplinary work and the capacity to work in an international environment. The applicant must also fulfil the requirements for doctoral students at University of Primorska. For more details, see:

https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/doctoral/renew-mat

https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/enrolment

What we offer:

This position will be within University of Primorska and the candidate will work in close collaboration with InnoRenew CoE, which is focused on renewable materials use in sustainable built environments.

• 1 year contract with option for renewal (recommended duration for doctoral studies is 3 years)
• Competitive salary with possible performance-based raises
• Opportunity to be involved on a prestigious ERC project

Employment opportunities, admissions policies, activities, services, and the facilities of the University of Primorska and InnoRenew CoE do not exclude any person on the basis of race, colour, age, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or disability.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send:

• curriculum vitae,
• motivation letter for this doctoral position (maximum one A4 page),
• summary (track record) of previous research experience (master’s thesis for example),
• certified copy of master’s degree certificate and official transcript of records, and their translations, if the originals are not in English.

All materials should be in English and submitted in PDF format no later than 5 September 2022.

For any additional information you can contact us by email: coe@innorenew.eu.

For further information about the research topic, please contact Dr. Oihana Gordobil (oihana.gordobil@innorenew.eu).

The expected start date is 1^st October 2022.

The InnoRenew CoE reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.