The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is one of the largest institutions at Stockholm University with about 150 employees and about 2,000 students per academic year. The teaching focuses on material chemistry and modern characterization techniques. The main research areas are Materials for a sustainable society, Synthesis and processing methods for sustainable materials, and Chemical analysis and structural characterization methods.

Project description

The project involves research in materials chemistry with aim to understand and develop methodology related to screening and applying dispersion barriers for improved barrier performance of formed fiber product. Formed fiber (FF or moulded fiber) product is an alternative to plastic products in many applications and has gained increasing success in a circular economy with the inherited advantage of renewability, recyclability and biodegradability.

The selected candidate will receive a stipend (from the industry partner) to cover the expenses. The duration of the project is six months (30 ECTS) and it will involve collaboration and communication with the industry partner.
Location: Karlstad (main) / Stockholm / Hyltebruk

Main responsibilities

Responsibilities include: i) literature study ii) identify and establish a methodology to evaluate issues related to barrier materials screening and coating technique development iii) experimental investigation in lab/pilot and full scale and iv) report preparation and presentation.

Tasks include: ii) and iii) which estimated to constitute 2/3 of the diploma work time require presence at the research center in Karlstad. Some traveling might be needed to Stora Enzopilot and full-scale production site in Hyltebruk in the late stage. The project is a 6-month master thesis work.

Qualification requirements

  1. Current study background in materials chemistry, chemical engineering, biomaterials or similar;

  2. Good organizational and time management skills;

  3. Good team player with various background colleagues;

  4. Good analytical, oral and written presentation skills;

  5. Independent, result driven, high responsibility with good problem-solving abilities.

BSc degree in chemistry or materials science (180 ECTS) and at least 15 ECTS of completed coursework related to materials chemistry at the MSc level. Candidates who have completed their studies outside of Sweden meet the requirement in English language as explained on the website For students from non-EU countries tuition fees apply.

Assessment criteria

Applicants must have strong communication and self-management skills with excellent knowledge in English, both written and oral. Special emphasis will be placed on grades and research experience gained during the studies.

Terms of the master project

The master project is appointed primarily for purposes of education and research.The position involves full-time studies for a maximum of six months. Preferred starting date: May, 2021, or as per agreement.


Application and contact

Supervisor and Contact information at StoraEnso:

Chuantao Zhu, Ph.D

R&D Project Manager

Stora Enso AB, Formed Fiber

Mobile +46(0)73 2551910

Sommargatan 101 A, P.O.Box 9090

SE 650 09 Karlstad, Sweden

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Aji Mathew

Please express your interest to the position by sending the following information with your application by email:
    • Cover letter
    • CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience, a list of publications (if any), contact details, language skills, contact details for 2-3 references in a single document

You are welcome to apply!

Closing date: 2021-04-20.