Researcher of a novel waterless, technology to recycle textile wastes.

Job description

The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries globally due to the high consumption of chemicals, energy, water, and waste generation. One of the reasons for this is the difficulty in recycling mixed textile fibers, such as polycotton, which represent 50 % of textile waste today. Unfortunately, no widely adopted large-scale technology currently enables the separation and recycling of these fibers without fiber depolymerization and downcycling. Besides the challenges related to recycling, textiles containing synthetic plastic are one of the significant contributors to microplastic pollution. Renasens AB develops and demonstrates a new waterless, patent-pending, technology to recycle pure and blended textile wastes, such as polycotton, without depolymerization or downcycling of the fibers. We are on a mission to contribute to building a waste-free circular future.

As part of our process development and optimization, we are looking for a researcher in chemical processing or textile engineering. Experience using subcritical-supercritical fluids for textile or fiber treatment is required. Your main objective will be to implement and develop a process to separate cellulose and polyester from polycotton textile wastes without depolymerization. This work will be performed at KTH in collaboration with Renasens.

Your main tasks:

• Lead the development focused on the separation process of polycotton fibers,
• Participate in the implementation of a pilot-scale plant,
• Characterize the recovered cellulose and polyester fibers,
• Assist with the spinning of new yarns,
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.

The work on this project is scheduled to begin November 1st, 2024, at the earliest at KTH, and will last for 1 year.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm , in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH.

Qualifications

Requirements

• PhD or engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Textile Engineering, or related field,

Preferred qualifications  

• Proven experience with supercritical fluid technologies or similar extraction methods in textile or fiber treatment applications,
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team,
• Experience in project management
• Experience supervision of students
• Research expertise
• Teaching ability
• The ability to work towards research results being utilised in practice.
• The ability to inform about research and development work
• Experience of developing and leading activities and staff.
• Knowledge of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply for this position. You are responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max is two pages long.

Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). 

About the employment

The employment is valid for a limited time according to the agreement - for up to 12 months, with access according to agreement.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Monica Ek, monicaek@kth.se