Kemikum at Stockholm University seeks Postdoc in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Sustainable Organic Synthesis

Kemikum, with over 200 employees, is one of the largest institutions at Stockholm University.

Research at Kemikum 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 basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry and advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials. Kemikum has a well-developed research infrastructure with a variety of equipment and qualified support from staff researchers.

Kemikum also hosts the education in chemistry at the undergraduate level and 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/)

This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org (https://wise-materials.org/)). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest investment in materials science in Sweden ever and will involve significant investments at Sweden's leading universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Read more: https://wise-materials.org/ (https://wise-materials.org/)

Project Description

Project title: Heterogeneous Catalysis for Sustainable Organic Synthesis.

Supervision: Assistant Professor Miguel Rivero-Crespo.

A postdoctoral position is offered in Assistant Professor Miguel Rivero-Crespo's group at Stockholm University. You will work on the synthesis of porous materials (Metal Organic Frameworks) that will be tailored with catalytically active sites of various natures and used as heterogeneous catalysts for organic reactions. This project is highly interdisciplinary and combines organic chemistry, materials science, and catalysis. Sustainability will be one of the main pillars of the project. In this context, the primary goal is to develop sustainable chemical processes by synthesizing more efficient heterogeneous catalysts and minimizing the formation of by-products, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of chemical production. Furthermore, the sustainability of the new process will be evaluated using various metrics.

Job Responsibilities

The main tasks include:

• Synthesis and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts based on porous materials.
• Study of their catalytic activity in organic reactions.
• In-situ and/or operando investigations.
• Comparison with benchmark homogeneous systems.

Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ (https://wise-materials.org/research-school/), an ambitious nationwide program with seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network among PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the postdoctoral position, a completed PhD or foreign degree deemed equivalent to a relevant PhD is required. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.

Assessment Criteria

It is meritorious if the PhD or equivalent has been obtained no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier obtained degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on scientific competence, particularly regarding:

• Synthesis and characterization of porous materials (MOF, COF, zeolites, etc.).
• Knowledge in catalysis, particularly heterogeneous catalysis.
• Experience in organic, inorganic, and/or materials chemistry.

The following criteria will also be used to assess eligible applicants: the applicant's documented subject knowledge relevant to the research area, ability to express themselves verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English, ability for analytical thinking, creativity, initiative, independence, and collaboration skills. Previous studies and grades, quality of independent work, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the applicant's written motivation for the application will be used as the basis for the assessment.

About the Position

The position is full-time and is permanent, but for at least two years and at most three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date 2026-03-01 or by agreement.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

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

Contact

Further information is provided by Assistant Professor Miguel Rivero-Crespo, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). General information about the workplace and about Kemikum at Stockholm University can be obtained from the head of the department, Professor Niklas Hedin, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested attachments in the application form. You as the applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

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).

Welcome with your application!

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