Sapere Aude – dare to know – is our motto. Our students and employees develop important knowledge that enrich both the individual and the community. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and openness, with a close connection between people, professional roles, disciplines and research. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. Located in Värmland, a scenic region with a rich cultural life, we are committed to promoting sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider community.
 
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 18,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

Description

The Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences belongs to the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology. The department has approximately 60 staff members and offers courses within four engineering programmes, teacher education, foundation year studies, and bachelor programmes with various specialisations. At the department, research in a variety of areas is also conducted. The department is home to the research environment Pro2BE, Processes and Products for a Circular Bioeconomy, which focuses on finding sustainable solutions for process technology and product applications in the forest industry and society at large. More information about Pro2BE: https://www.kau.se/en/pro2be

The department includes the Environmental and Energy Systems subject and its research groups NewDePT (New Development for Pellet Technology) and Water Energy Nexus. These groups are seeking a shared full-time Research project assistant for 12 months.

NewDePT and Water Energy Nexus have three active projects: (1) Sludge biochar – from pollution risk to a non-toxic circular resource; (2) Sustainable resource management of forest industry residue with adequate pellet quality; and (3) Pelleting and storage stability in alternative and mixed biomass raw material – from laboratory tests to long-term storage. The projects have received funding to explore new process chains that turn forest industry residue into high-grade products for nutrition, energy, and soil improvement. This work is conducted in close collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Roslagsvatten, VA SYD, Biototal, C-Green, Stora Enso, Nordic Zero, and others. 

Duties

The duties are connected to the three projects described above. A large share of the duties will consist of practical laboratory work, carried out at Karlstad University. Duties include:

1. pelleting and quality testing hydrochar-based raw material.
2. manufacturing pellets from pyrolysed raw material from municipal sewage sludge.
3. surveying and pelleting currently unutilised forestry residues, such as brushwoood, and conduct long-term storage testing of the pelleted material.

All studies include optimising tests for various targets, such as ensuring that a pellet disintegrates under particular circumstances, can be dispersed over arable land, or withstand long-term storage.

You are also expected to collaborate with the wider community for a mutual exchange, as well as work towards ensuring that the knowledge and expertise available at the university is of benefit to society.

To contribute to a positive work environment and further the department’s activities, we expect you to be a present and active part of the day-to-day operations and workplace community.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must hold a Degree of Bachelor or Bachelor of Science in energy and environmental engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or another field that is relevant to the project.

The position requires proficiency in Swedish and English, both in speech and in writing.

In the selection process, special weight will be given to familiarity and ability related to laboratory work within the focus areas of the project. Special weight will also be given to personal qualities -  we are looking for someone who is thorough, organised, and structured.

Considerable weight will be given to laboratory experience as well as knowledge about forestry and agriculture.

In addition, all employees at Karlstad University are expected to demonstrate strong collaborative skills and to treat colleagues and students with respect. They are also expected to take responsibility for both the organisation and their own work, and to contribute to a positive work environment.

Terms

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for 12 months, starting in January or as agreed by both parties. The term may be extended.

Application

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi.
Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• CV
• cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications in relation to the duties of the position
• copies of course transcripts, degree certificates, and other certificates
• two references, at least one of which is a current or former supervisor

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Application deadline: 2026-11-20                      

State reference number: REK2026/256

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.

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HR Excellence in Research
Karlstad University received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award September 2020. The award is issued to employers with a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and its continuous improvement. The award also conveys the university’s commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more: kau.se/hrs4r