PhD Position in Chemistry (Experimental/Computational Physical Chemistry)

- Studies of transition metal-based photocatalysts using femtosecond X-ray pulses through a combination of experimental and machine learning structural dynamics analyses.

Learn more about the research at the Department of Chemistry – BMC on our website. https://www.kemi.uu.se/bmc/forskning (https://www.kemi.uu.se/bmc/forskning)

Project Description

Your goal will be to use advanced machine learning methods to extract conformational ensembles from time-resolved X-ray scattering data of chemical reactions, particularly for transition metal-based photocatalysts. The project is a collaboration with the Wernet and Jay groups at the Department of Physics at Uppsala University, and you are expected to work closely with them and their teams. Together, we will conduct combined femtosecond X-ray absorption/fluorescence and scattering experiments at X-ray free electron lasers.

Your focus will be on developing new algorithms to interpret scattering data by incorporating chemical force fields through machine-learned constraints, providing unique structural insight into the solvent restructuring around the active state of the catalyst. Together with X-ray spectroscopic data, this can provide a complete picture of reaction intermediates in photocatalysis.

You will be involved in all stages of the project, including designing and programming software, conducting calculations and experiments, analyzing data, and presenting and publishing results. The choice of subprojects will be tailored to your interests and previous knowledge and experience.

You will be given significant creative freedom to develop the project, substantial resources to achieve groundbreaking results, and the advantage of being part of our highly collaborative team.

The PhD position is shared between the Westenhoff group at the Department of Chemistry-BMC and the Wernet and Jay groups at the Department of Physics at Uppsala University, ensuring expert guidance in both fields.

Responsibilities

The main task of a PhD student is to engage in their doctoral education, which includes participation in research projects as well as doctoral education courses. The responsibilities may also include teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of the working time.

Qualifications

Eligibility for doctoral education requires that the applicant has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at an advanced level, or otherwise acquired equivalent competencies. More information about the eligibility requirements can be found here. https://teknat.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/amnen-och-inriktningar/ (https://teknat.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/amnen-och-inriktningar/)

For doctoral education in chemistry, a passing grade in courses totaling at least 90 hp in chemistry and relevant areas for the education is required, of which at least 40 hp at an advanced level. More information about the subject-specific requirements can be found here. https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/fakultet/teknisk-naturvetenskapliga/utbildning-och-undervisning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/amnen-och-studieplaner/amnen#Kemiochdessinriktningar (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/fakultet/teknisk-naturvetenskapliga/utbildning-och-undervisning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/amnen-och-studieplaner/amnen#Kemiochdessinriktningar)

Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, motivation, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the abilities required to benefit from and develop within the doctoral education.

Desirable/meritorious

We are looking for a highly motivated person who demonstrates a clear ability to conduct independent research and to work effectively in teams. Primarily, we are seeking a chemist or physicist, but other educational backgrounds may be relevant, provided that the education includes a strong chemistry component.

You must have a strong interest in and documented experience of scientific programming, particularly in Python, PyTorch, or similar.

PhD students at the department often teach at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Previous experience in teaching/supervision, even outside academia, as well as scientific communication may therefore be meritorious.

Regulations for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines. https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=3 (https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=3)

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on “Apply here” or visit Uppsala University’s website: https://uu.se/jobb/ (https://uu.se/jobb/)

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date June 1, 2025, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Professor, Sebastian Westenhoff sebastian.westenhoff@kemi.uu.se (mailto:sebastian.westenhoff@kemi.uu.se), +46 72 469 72 67.

Welcome with your application by April 30, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1110. Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country’s most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security screening. A prerequisite for employment in the case of security screening is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University’s recruitment system.