Doctoral researcher in chemical engineering

The Department of Separation Science at LUT University is hiring a junior (doctoral) researcher with LUT Doctoral School funding for 2025–2028.
The position is focused on materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science or engineering, or related fields.
You will be working on the project Hydrophobic eutectic solvents and their combination with cellulose membranes as sustainable extractants from wastewater (RELENTLESSNESS). The position is located at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences in Lahti, Finland, and your doctoral dissertation will be jointly supervised by a primary supervisor at LUT and an external supervisor at Politecnico di Milano (Italy). The RELENTLESSNESS project relates to LUT University’s strategic focus area “Water – refining side streams into value”, to which your dissertation is expected to contribute directly. The project aims for the removal of the EU Water Framework Directive’s three classes of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from surface water: microplastics, pesticides, and industrial dyes. The removal of CECs meets the need for complex water treatment and may significantly benefit not only the scientific community but also society as a whole. The doctoral research includes an extended exchange period in Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
Qualifications and assessment
We are looking for a motivated junior researcher who has an education background in chemical engineering/technology. Education in biorefineries and pulping is appreciated. Experience in mixture preparation and characterisation, lignocellulose chemistry, membrane technology, or other closely related fields is valued.
Applicants must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., biorefineries, chemical engineering, wastewater treatment, lignocellulose chemistry, or closely related fields), the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University.
Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies, along with all required appendices, to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.
What we value

• Excellent spoken and written English
• Good knowledge of and research experience in green solvents and solvent synthesis, preparation, and characterisation
• Good knowledge of and research experience in membranes and membrane technology
• Experience in experimental work related to R&D or commercial pilot / full-scale plant operation
• Good knowledge of and research experience in cellulose and fibre characterisation and lignocellulose chemistry

Applicants are assessed based on the above and possible results of research in a relevant field or related subjects.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.
Employment relationship and pay
The employment starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies have progressed satisfactorily in the first year.
The work starts on 2 January 2025 at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences in Lahti, Finland.
The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros.
Applications
The deadline for applications is 6 December 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC + 2h).
Please fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• Motivation letter highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
• Scanned copies of your original degree certificates (bachelor’s, master’s) and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English. If your degree is still unfinished, provide an official estimate of your graduation date confirmed by your supervisor or school.
• List of publications.
• Contact information of two people who can provide references.

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered.