Arbetsbeskrivning

Background Food production is responsible for one-third of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, an unsustainable trajectory as the global population continues to rise. Regardless of the type of food—current or novel—prolonging shelf lives is crucial, often requiring water removal processes such as evaporation. Improving the efficiency of food processing while preventing unintended modifications to protein structures, which can trigger food allergies, is a vital area of research. Project overview This project focuses on Chemical Process Engineering, with an emphasis on understanding protein behavior at the molecular level during falling-film evaporation (FFE)—a process widely applied to thermally sensitive foods such as milk and alternative proteins. By employing molecular dynamics simulations, you will explore protein interactions and changes under specific processing conditions. The project is aligned with broader sustainability goals, including the development of innovative processes to manufacture chemicals, materials, and fuels from renewable sources. These challenges also extend to areas such as recycling, process intensification, and energy-efficient systems. Achieving these objectives requires a detailed understanding of fundamental unit operations (e.g., separation, mixing, distillation, drying, filtration) and heat/mass transfer mechanisms. This project emphasizes mathematical modeling, aiming to enhance both fundamental and applied research within Chemical Process Engineering. The project is in collaboration with the Fluid Mechanics division to integrate new, inter-disciplinary perspectives. Through fostering new alliances and collaborative efforts, this research will address current and emerging challenges relevant to society and industry, contributing significantly to the realization of a sustainable future. Your main responsibilities The key responsibility as postdoc is to independently drive the research to bridge gaps in the knowledge base. The position will involve reporting current research results in both written and oral forms, as well as authoring scientific research publications.   Qualifications You should have, or expect to soon obtain, a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or a related subject area, awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Experience with molecular dynamics simulation is required. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.  Contract terms This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years. The Division of Chemical Engineering The Division of Chemical Engineering includes the following groups: Chemical process and Reaction Engineering, Forest Products, and Chemical Engineering. We have a wide range of experience and work both experimentally and with modeling. We have a long tradition of working with both fundamental scientific questions and applied problems together with industry. We collaborate with for example the forest, pharmaceuticals, food science, chemistry and automotive industries and their equipment manufacturers. We also participate in many international networks with both companies and universities. What we offer Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees. Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers. Application procedure The application should be written in English. The application should be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV:  including: • CV, include complete list of publications • Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences • Two references that we can contact. Personal letter:  1-3 pages where you: • Introduce yourself • Describe your previous research fields and main research results • Describe your future goals and future research focus Other documents: • Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates. Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Application deadline: 25 December, 2024 For questions, please contact: Professor Jia Chew, Chemical Engineering [email protected], +46 0720 325 486 Professor Srdjan Sasic, Fluid Dynamics, Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences [email protected], +46 31 772 5238   *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***      Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.