Department of Molecular Sciences

We are looking for someone who wants to contribute to the development of knowledge on how to create, manufacture, and characterize functional antiseptic coatings based on metal-organic frameworks.

The Inorganic and Physical Chemistry group works on developing knowledge about environmental technologies and biomedical applications of inorganic and hybrid inorganic-organic nanostructured materials. We conduct this research in close collaboration with specialists in veterinary and human medicine. An important part of our work is teaching at undergraduate and advanced levels in general chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Undergraduate teaching is conducted in Swedish.

About the job

You will work on the development of advanced synthesis techniques for the production of hybrid material coatings with a particular focus on antiseptic coatings consisting of metal-organic frameworks. The goal is to design complex surfaces that combine mechanical building blocks capable of repelling bacterial biofilms, synthesize the proposed coatings, and evaluate their effectiveness against a range of harmful microorganisms using theoretical calculations.

You will actively work on the characterization of various materials using environmental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, AFM, and various spectroscopic methods such as NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis.

You are expected to independently summarize your results and prepare research papers for publication in high-ranking scientific journals.

Teaching, especially at the undergraduate level in both theoretical and practical components, is included in the job.

Your background

You have documented experience in research in a relevant field, strong expertise in the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks, have worked independently with the characterization of various inorganic and hybrid materials, and with spectroscopic studies of surfaces. You have good experience in the characterization of bacterial biofilms and studies of antibacterial activity.

• PhD in inorganic, materials, or environmental chemistry
• Documented ability to synthesize coatings of metal-organic frameworks.
• Documented ability to perform phase identification and analyses using electron microscopy and XRD.
• Good experience in teaching at the undergraduate level
• Very good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English

About us

The Department of Molecular Sciences currently consists of about 100 employees and together with three other departments forms an inspiring research environment at BioCentrum on the Ultuna Campus, Uppsala.

The department conducts basic and applied research, teaching, and development work in several interrelated areas such as inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular structural biology, biotechnology, natural product chemistry, microbiology, and food science. The department has advanced infrastructure for chemical studies, including equipment for advanced inorganic and metal-organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy where the department is part of the national SwedNMR initiative, advanced mass spectrometry, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction for structural determination of single crystals and powders, gas and liquid chromatography equipment, etc.

The department conducts interdisciplinary research collaborations with other departments at SLU, nationally and internationally in studies of materials and processes for agricultural and environmental applications.

Read more about our activities and infrastructure here https://www.slu.se/institutioner/molekylara-vetenskaper/ (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/molekylara-vetenskaper/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Uppsala

Employment type:

Permanent position. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-02-04

Union contact persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive working environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.