Postdoctoral position in Chemical Engineering on Membrane Processes for Kraft Lignin Fractionation

Description of the workplace

The position is in the Membrane Group of the Division of Chemical Engineering at Lund University. The Membrane Group is the most established Membrane Group in Sweden and has MemLab - Industrial membrane process research and development centre – an excellent infrastructure to develop and optimize membrane processes from lab to pilot scale. Further details about the Membrane Group can be found under: Membrane Group | Membrane Group (lu.se)

Subject description

The project focuses on developing an energy-efficient and sustainable approach to fractionate lignin from Kraft black liquor (KBL) using membrane filtration technologies. Membrane filtration is a separation process that leverages the size differences of substances, avoiding phase transformation and chemical use, which results in a low environmental impact. As industrial interest in membrane processes continues to grow, these methods are increasingly recognized for their key role in future biorefineries.

In Sweden, pulp mills are major biomass users, constantly seeking ways to efficiently utilize wood raw materials. Lignin, a component that makes up around 20% of wood, offers significant potential as a biofuel and source of aromatics. Its recovery and valorization are crucial for transitioning to a sustainable, bio-based society by replacing fossil raw materials.

This project specifically targets the fractionation of low molecular weight lignin from KBL through ultrafiltration to create fractions suitable for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. By eliminating heavier fractions, the process aims to adjust the boiling points of hydrotreated lignin products, aligning them with jet fuel distillate ranges. Following ultrafiltration, nanofiltration will be applied to concentrate the low molecular weight lignin fractions.

Additionally, the project will investigate membrane fouling and develop effective cleaning strategies to optimize the separation process. The outcomes aim to produce high-quality black liquor lignin fractions while improving the efficiency and sustainability of biomass utilization in biorefineries.

The position is related to a project supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and industrial partners.  

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. The position is related to an externally funded project with industrial partners and has some pre-defined targets that have to be achieved. However, the project also includes opportunities to develop the membrane fouling and cleaning strategies. 

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Establishing experimental set-ups and conducting experiments relevant to the project.  
• Reporting the project results to project partners and funding agency
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration and communication with industries and the wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

 
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• PhD in Chemical Engineering with focus on biorefineries and/or membrane processes. 
• Experience to work independently but also ability to collaborate with project partners and membrane scientists. 

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in an academic career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 
• Other qualifications:
• Knowledge and experience in planning and conducting lab and pilot scale equipment, i.e. membrane systems. 
• Proven experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).  
• Proven experience to use advanced analytical equipment such as QCM-D, BET, SEM and AFM. 
• Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!