Doctoral Researcher, Textile Chemistry

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

The Textile Chemistry group focuses on environmentally friendly textile coloration and post-treatment, textile recycling, and eTextiles.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in Textile Chemistry

The Textile Chemistry group at Aalto University has an opening for a Doctoral Researcher to work on the EU Horizon Europe project BIO-BASED SUSTAINABLE SURFACTANTS TO FOSTER GREEN INDUSTRY (SURFTOGREEN).

The research will be carried out in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, in close collaboration with European academic and industrial partners.

The research work includes:

• Physico-chemical characterization of bio-based surfactants for textile applications

• Study of hydrophobic dye solubilization in bio-based surfactant systems

• Polyester dyeing with disperse dyes in the presence of bio-based surfactants

• Acrylic dyeing with cationic dyes in the presence of cationic biobased surfactants

• Scientific reporting and dissemination

Requirements

• Suitable master’s degree with a background in textile chemistry, or applied chemistry (or related fields)

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills

• Good laboratory skills and interest in experimental research

• Strong motivation and ability to work independently

• Commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration

What we offer

If you are chosen for this position, you will apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. Doctoral studies at Aalto University typically take approximately 4 years.

The position will be filled with a two-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on progress and performance.

The expected starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 3075 €/month and it increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses in research and studies.

We work at the Otaniemi campus in Espoo, a vibrant and international environment with excellent public transport connections, modern research facilities, and a strong academic community.

The preferred starting date is April 1, 2026, but it can be negotiated.

As a Doctoral Researcher, you will participate in doctoral courses, conduct high-quality scientific research under supervision, and may take part in teaching activities. You will be responsible for communicating your research results in meetings, reports, and scientific conferences.

For more information

For additional information about the position, please contact Prof. Ali Tehrani ([email protected]).

Ready to apply?

Follow the instructions carefully and submit a single pdf document (max. 10 pages in English) through the “Apply” link (not by email) no later than February 25, 2026.

Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via the internal HR system Workday (keyword Find Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).

To apply, please include the following documents in English and as a single pdf document:

• Motivation letter specific to this project (1 page)

• Description of previous relevant research experience (1page)

• CV with a possible list of publications and the title of your MSc thesis

• Master’s degree certificate and overall GPA

• English proficiency proof 

• List of 2-3 potential references with their emails

Important Note:  Only candidates with a very good MSc GPA and documented proof of English proficiency will be considered for interview.

Please introduce yourself briefly in your Motivation Letter and justify why you are a suitable candidate by highlighting your skills, knowledge, or previous experience in:

• Textile dyeing and printing

• Surfactants

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues?

You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world,  Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future.

For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/for-international-staff.

Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto 

About Finland

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