Postdoctoral Researcher to develop cellulose-based heterogeneous catalysts for organic synthesis
At Aalto University, science and art meet technology and economics. We build a sustainable future by achieving breakthroughs in our key areas and at their intersections. At the same time, we inspire the changemakers of the future and create solutions to the world's great challenges. Our university community includes 16,000 students, 446 professors, and over 5,000 employees, representing a total of over 120 nationalities. Our campus is located in Espoo, Otaniemi. Diversity is part of us, and we work continuously to ensure the diversity and non-discrimination of our community. Therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to join our community.
The School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) is one of Aalto University's six schools. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.
Aalto University Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is seeking:
Postdoctoral Researcher to develop cellulose-based heterogeneous catalysts for organic synthesis
Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your organic chemistry expertise in a suitably challenging research project? Do you want to investigate unconventional synthesis strategies (mechanochemistry) and develop and benchmark new bio-based functional materials? We are now looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher for the COFCELL project funded by the Academy of Finland.
Our research focuses on mechanochemical and other solid-state synthesis methods used to prepare materials in solvent-free or low-solvent conditions, with the aim of reducing waste, costs, and hazards of chemical reactions. You will be part of a team investigating how these solvent-free techniques can be applied to the preparation of porous heterogeneous catalysts from cellulose and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In this role, you will be able to utilize and develop your skills in organic chemistry and materials science, use a wide range of material characterization techniques, and participate in building a greener future.
Your role and goals
Your research will primarily focus on the preparation and benchmarking of porous heterogeneous catalysts, specifically:
How do material properties (surface area, tunability, mechanical properties) and catalytic activity depend on the cellulose–COF hybrid preparation method?
Can these hybrid catalysts be used in reaction media deviating from the conventional?
The goal is for you to strengthen your expertise in sustainable chemical processes while creating world-class bio-based catalysts. You will have the opportunity to share your results within the international green chemistry research community and expand your skills in organic and physical chemistry, materials science, and advanced analytical methods (e.g., state-of-the-art liquid and solid-state NMR techniques, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, etc.). The position includes participation in the department's teaching and student supervision.
Your experience and goals
We encourage you to apply if you have:
A doctoral degree in organic chemistry or a closely related field
Excellent oral and written English skills
Motivation for laboratory work, conducting experiments, and data analysis
The selected applicant is required to have experience in one of the following areas: heterogeneous catalysis of organic synthesis, covalent organic frameworks (COF), and/or mechanochemistry.
Your team and network
You will work in the Synthesis Technologies research group (led by Assistant Professor Sandra Kaabel) at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science (CMAT). The research group's goal is to develop sustainable and safer technologies for the chemical and enzymatic transformation of biopolymers to expand the range of renewable materials. CMAT offers a multidisciplinary working environment focusing on the design of compounds and materials at the molecular, nano, and atomic levels. Your closest collaborators also include junior professor Dr. Frederik Haasen's group at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
What we offer
We offer a position at one of Europe's leading research and higher education institutions, focusing on the sustainable and technology-based utilization of renewable natural resources. At Aalto, you will work in the top-class infrastructure of the School of Chemical Engineering ( https://www.aalto.fi/en/school-of-chemical-engineering/research-infrastructure ), Micronova, and Otaniemi, developing your experimental skills with equipment intended for the development of biorefinery processes and analytics.
A fixed-term employment contract will be concluded for two years. The starting salary for the postdoctoral researcher is approximately €4,100/month (gross). The employment includes occupational health services.
The workplace is located at Aalto University's Otaniemi campus (a short metro ride from Helsinki). Several high-tech startups and international companies operate on our campus and nearby, providing opportunities for networking and career development. Aalto Startup Center is among the top three university-based business incubators in the world.
The employment can start from 20.10.2026, but the exact start date will be agreed upon with the selected candidate.
Ready to apply?
If you are excited about the position and want to join our team, please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system no later than 25.9.2026 using the link found on the Aalto University website (“Apply now”).
Current employees of Aalto University should apply for the position using their own employee profile via the Workday system (internal jobs). Aalto students or visitors apply with a personal email address (not aalto.fi) through the external Open Jobs page.
Attach to your application (in English) as a single PDF file:
Cover letter: an informal letter (maximum 1 page) describing yourself, your career goals, and why you are interested in this specific position.
CV: including a short description of your previous research experience (maximum 1 page), a list of publications, the title of your doctoral thesis, and contact information for two referees whom we may contact if necessary.
The position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is found.
Applications sent by email will not be processed; we only accept applications submitted through the recruitment system.
For more information about the position, contact Assistant Professor Sandra Kaabel (sandra.kaabel(at)aalto.fi). For questions regarding the application process, HR partner Eeva Käki (eeva.kaki(at)aalto.fi) will assist you.