Chemistry Department at Stockholm University

Chemikum, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest institutions at Stockholm University.

The research at Chemikum spans all areas of chemistry, including analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry, as well as organic chemistry. The research projects are numerous, ranging from theory to experiments, from pure fundamental research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry, but also advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials. Chemikum has a well-developed research infrastructure with a variety of equipment and qualified support from staff researchers.

Chemikum also hosts the education in chemistry at the undergraduate level as well as three master's programs; analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. Doctoral education is conducted in five areas; analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/kemikum/ (https://www.su.se/kemikum/)

Project Description

Title: Advanced Electron Microscopy Paves the Way for New Metal-Organic Frameworks

Supervisor: Associate Professor Tom Willhammar, co-supervisor: Dr. Andrew Ken Inge

Nanoporous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites offer opportunities for applications where shape-selective properties are crucial, such as adsorption and catalysis. MOFs consist of metal nodes linked by organic molecules, forming crystalline structures with well-defined pore systems and versatile chemistry — something that was recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Electron microscopy and electron diffraction provide powerful tools for advanced structural characterization. Aberration correction now enables imaging at atomic resolution, three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) has expanded the possibilities for atomic structure determination down to the nanoscale, and cryo-EM was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017. Stockholm University has a long tradition of developing techniques for electron crystallography aimed at studying atomic structures.

This project focuses on structural characterization and synthesis of MOF materials, with a particular emphasis on understanding the interactions between the framework and the molecules present in the pores. These guests play a crucial role in both how the framework is formed and how the material's properties are defined. The project's goal is to deepen the understanding of these interactions and use this knowledge in the development of new MOF materials. Advanced characterization techniques based on transmission electron microscopy, such as 3D ED and new imaging techniques like four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM), will be used to create detailed structural information at the atomic level.

We are looking for a curious and self-driven candidate. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with leading international research groups, which means that good collaborative skills are essential. A background in chemistry, materials science, or related fields is suitable. Knowledge in electron microscopy, crystallography, or nanoporous materials is advantageous but not required.

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility. The eligibility must be met by the last application date.

Basic eligibility is met if you have completed a degree at the advanced level, or fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at the advanced level, or otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

For specific eligibility, according to the general study plan for doctoral education in inorganic chemistry, the applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or physics, and the applicant must have completed an independent project comprising at least 30 higher education credits at the advanced level. Specific eligibility is also granted to those who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Selection

Selection among the applicants is made with regard to the ability to benefit from doctoral education. Criteria used to assess this ability include:

• documented subject knowledge relevant to the research area
• analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• collaborative skills
• ability to express oneself in spoken and written English.

https://medarbetare.su.se/vart-su/styrning/regelboken/utbildning/antagningsordning-for-utbildning-pa-forskarniva (https://medarbetare.su.se/vart-su/styrning/regelboken/utbildning/antagningsordning-for-utbildning-pa-forskarniva)

About the Position

We offer a fixed-term position as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you will primarily focus on your own doctoral education, but the position may include work with teaching, research, and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).

A new doctoral position is valid for a maximum of one year, and the position is renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information about the project, contact the supervisor Associate Professor Tom Willhammar, mailto:[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). For general information about Chemikum, contact the head of department, Professor Niklas Hedin, mailto:[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the doctoral position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted to the university by the last application date.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.