Staff scientist, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University

Summary

The announcement concerns a temporary position as a Staff Scientist/Research Engineer at the Department of Chemistry during the period from 2026-03-02 to 2027-02-25 within the framework of the project "Analysis and fractionation of biomass". You are welcome to apply by 2026-02-04.

Project description

The project “Analysis and fractionation of biomass” includes chemical analysis of bark, wood and algae samples, pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of biomass, and microbial conversion of sugars. Furthermore, chemical and enzymatic modification of lignin is studied. The research is carried out in laboratories at KBC Chemical-Biological Centre in Umeå and at High Coast Innovation Park in Örnsköldsvik. The research is carried out on a laboratory scale in collaboration with other research groups at the Department of Chemistry, with the Umeå Plant Science Centre, with the Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology at SLU, with RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, and with industrial partners. The research is linked to the strategic research initiative Bio4Energy and to one of the prioritized research areas of Umeå University, namely Northfood: Plant Science for Change.

Work tasks

The tasks are performed on a laboratory scale and include fractionation and analysis of biomass samples, mainly from bark, wood and microalgae, but also from other types of biomass and reaction mixtures with components from biomass. Techniques used include various forms of chemical analysis, pressurized liquid extraction, hydrothermal pretreatment, organic synthesis, and biocatalytic conversion processes. The chemical analyses include, among others, analysis of biomass with two-step hydrolysis with sulfuric acid, liquid chromatography (HPLC and HPAEC), UV-Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, compilation, interpretation and presentation of data collected with FTIR spectroscopy, Py-GC/MS, NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and the BET-(Brunauer – Emmett – Teller) method are included.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or equivalent. Good practical experience of chemical-analytical and organic chemical methods, as well as research experience. High motivation for experimental work in a laboratory environment. Good ability to work independently and in a group. Good ability to present research results in English, both orally and in writing.

Desirable qualifications:

Experience in the analysis of forest biomass, its components and of degradation products in lignocellulose hydrolysates. Experience in analysis with HPAEC-PAD, HPLC-RID/DAD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Experience in using the Chromeleon software for liquid chromatography analyses. Experience in instructing new users of liquid chromatography equipment. Experience in determining the chemical composition of bark and wood samples by two-step hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. Experience in pressurized liquid extraction, and in pretreatment of biomass on a laboratory scale. Experience in analysis using the BET (Brunauer – Emmett – Teller) method, FTIR spectroscopy and Py-GC/MS. Experience in analysis of lignin, as well as in chemical and enzymatic modification of lignin. Experience in organic chemical synthesis in natural products chemistry.

Application

The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are applying for the position, a CV, diploma, relevant certificates and grades, and the names and contact information of at least two references. The application must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than February 4, 2026.

Terms of employment

The employment is limited in time until 2027-02-25. Entry date 2026-03-02 or by agreement.

Information

Further information can be obtained from Professor Leif Jönsson, tel.: +46-(0)90-7866811 or e-mail: leif.jonsson@umu.se

About us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 50 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biophysical Chemistry and Biochemistry, IBEAM, Industrial Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Centre. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/.

For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/