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.
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.
We are searching for an active person with excellent collaboration skills and interdisciplinary mindset.