Postdoctoral Researcher, Sustainable Materials and Smart Textiles

Postdoctoral Researcher, Sustainable Materials and Smart Textiles

Aalto University - School of Chemical Engineering

Espoo, Finland

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (BIO2) to work on our EU funded project. This multidisciplinary European research project aims to develop an innovative smart textile integrating optically adaptive camouflage with infrared and thermal detection-resistant properties. Aalto University is responsible for ensuring the sustainability and ecological responsibility of the project by assessing material choices and integrating environmentally friendly approaches in the development and design phases. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in these activities, collaborating with leading international experts from academia and industry.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive sustainability background analysis of different material options for optically adaptive textiles including sensors and batteries;
• Conduct preliminary sustainability analyses to evaluate the environmental consequences of the chosen materials and fabrication methods;
• Evaluate the long-term ecological responsibility of the integrated system, ensuring compliance with sustainability and circular economy principles;
• Collaborate with EU project partners to ensure the integration of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles throughout the project;
• Participate in project meetings, workshops, and dissemination activities;
• Active communication with the project coordinator.

Qualifications and experience

• Recently obtained PhD (within 5 years) in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Textile Engineering, or a related field;
• Strong expertise in sustainable materials, lifecycle assessment (LCA), and eco-design principles. Important note: Applicants without relevant LCA experience cannot be considered for the position;
• Experience with techno-economic analysis (TEA) is a strong asset;
• Familiarity with textiles, functional coatings, or advanced materials is considered an advantage;
• Experience in working with EU-funded projects or multidisciplinary research consortia is considered an advantage;
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with fluency in English (spoken and written).

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