Postdoctoral Researcher for X-ray Scattering Analysis of Bio-based Materials
Postdoctoral Researcher for X-ray Scattering Analysis of Bio-based Materials
Aalto University
Espoo, Finland
The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems is looking for Postdoctoral Researcher for X-ray scattering analysis of bio-based materials.
A clear understanding of the structure of plant-based materials and efficient ways to characterize it are essential for advancing sustainable applications from this abundant renewable resource. X-ray scattering provides valuable methods for examining the diverse hierarchical structures of wood and other cellulosic materials in their natural form and after various processes.
We are searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to support us in small and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) analysis of (ligno)cellulosic bio-based materials.
Your role includes:
- Planning and conducting scattering experiments both inhouse and at synchrotron beamlines;
- Analyzing large quantities of scattering data using advanced methods and reporting the results;
- Writing and publishing high-quality papers;
- Interacting closely with other team members and collaborators from different fields.
The position may be especially suitable to a scattering expert, who aims to specialize or gather experience in the scattering analysis of wood and cellulosic materials or to get in touch with machine-learning based analysis methods. In this position, you will learn on the applications of scattering methods in bio-based materials, produce fundamental new knowledge on lignocellulose nanostructure, and enable advances in the characterization and utilization of renewable plant resources. You will also have a chance to instruct the work of doctoral researchers and to develop towards a more independent position.
The position is based at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems of Aalto University/School of Chemical Engineering (Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland), in the Biobased Materials Structure group led by Dr. Paavo Penttilä. The group’s research focuses on using scattering techniques to study the nanostructure of wood and other bio-based materials, including developing data analysis methods supported by machine learning. We are actively involved in collaborations inside and outside of Aalto University and Finland, supported for instance by the FinnCERES Flagship Programme of the Research Council of Finland. The inspiring and international research environment offers high-quality research equipment, including the X-ray scattering facilities of the OtaNano national research infrastructure (e.g., Xenocs Xeuss 3.0 SAXS/WAXS). State-of-the-art synchrotron facilities (e.g., MAX IV) are also readily accessible in this position.
Your research tasks can include one or more of the following
- SAXS/WAXS-based 3D imaging of wood samples at a synchrotron;
- Development of a SAXS analysis workflow for wood in a supercomputing environment and its utilization together with collaborators;
- SAXS/WAXS analysis of cellulosic fibers in combination with molecular modelling done by collaborators.
Your background and expertise
Required qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, obtained during the past 5 years (excluding possible parental leaves or similar absences);
- Desire to understand the structure of (biological) materials;
- Solid experience in X-ray or neutron scattering or related methods;
- Experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python);
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research papers;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Desired previous experience or interests:
- Soft matter, biological materials, cellulosic materials, wood;
- Small-angle scattering techniques (SAXS/SANS), scattering-based imaging;
- Machine learning, large amounts of data, high-performance computing;
- Working in a chemistry laboratory.
We are searching for an active person with excellent collaboration skills and interdisciplinary mindset.
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