Postdoc in development of screen printing formulations

This post-doctoral position offers the opportunity to work with sustainable materials, formulation science and real-world impact, focusing on the development of next-generation screen printing inks that enable recycling by design. You will work at the interface of chemistry, textile science and sustainability within an ambitious EU project, in close collaboration with both academic and industrial partners, contributing to more environmentally responsible textile production.

The main purpose of this post-doctoral project is to develop and study new formulations for screen printing that encompass, by design, a recycling function in the form of a trigger for the detachment, on demand, of the print from the substrate. Currently, most textile prints are non-biobased and strongly limit textile recycling, despite being massively used. Transitioning to biobased alternatives while including an in-built recycling feature could significantly reduce environmental impact and reliance on non-renewable resources.

Despite major advancements towards biobased inks, the On/Off functionality remains a challenge that limits recyclability. To overcome this, the project integrates this new functionality already at the formulation stage, while accounting for the use of biobased components.

About us

The position is located at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in the Bordes Research Group, which has long experience in formulation research and close collaboration with the company Vividye. The position is part of the large EU project BioSusTex, where you will have the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in a multidisciplinary environment.

The Division of Applied Chemistry comprises around 90 researchers, including PhD students, working in surface chemistry, polymers and catalysis. Research at Applied Chemistry focuses on energy, materials design, nanotechnology and catalysis. In recent years, activities related to colloids and polymer interactions, in collaboration with industry, have gained momentum, with a focus on renewable materials and environmentally friendly technologies.

This project aims to increase the biobased content of screen printing inks while introducing a recyclability function that facilitates end-of-life handling of textiles. The postdoctoral fellowship is part of BioSusTex, coordinated by the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE), which aims to deliver new methodologies in textile science for more sustainable textile production. The project is run in close collaboration with the startup company Vividye.

About the research project

In this project, you will develop biobased, PVC-free screen printing inks with built-in reversibility for recycling. The work combines formulation development, experimental characterization and application-oriented testing, carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners. The research is highly applied and directly connected to future textile products and processes.

Who we are looking for

Mandatory requirements:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, soft matter or equivalent. This requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in studies related to surface chemistry and colloidal systems
• An interest in experimental work and application-driven research

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• General knowledge of spectroscopy and techniques related to the study of films

What you will do

You will lead the formulation and development of biobased, PVC-free screen printing inks while introducing the necessary elements to enable reversibility for recyclability. This includes selecting appropriate active compounds, optimizing ink properties such as rheology, drying time and stability, studying interactions between pigments, binders and additives, and developing and testing environmentally friendly removal formulations. The new inks will also be compared with existing systems.

You are also expected to actively disseminate your research results within the scientific community. This includes presenting your work at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.

• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English 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

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.

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. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 23 January, 2026.

For questions please contact:

Dr. Romain Bordes

*** 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.

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