PhD Student in Material Research for Energy Conversion

We are looking for a PhD student to carry out ground-breaking research aimed at developing new perovskite oxide materials for energy conversion and chemical processes. The project is multidisciplinary, and you will work alongside leading researchers with extensive and recognized experience in the development of technologies for hydrogen production, carbon dioxide capture, biomass utilization, and more.

About us

At the Division of Energy Technology, we develop and analyze sustainable energy systems and conversion technologies for industry and society. Through strong national and international collaboration, we unite experimental and systems research to create efficient, low-emission solutions driving the transition towards carbon-neutral energy and industry. Our research area is characterized by a strong desire for new efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, rapid changes in the political and economic environment, and an urgent need to reach the implementation phase for existing solutions.

About the research project

The announced positions are within the project “Perovskite redox materials for energy conversion and production of base chemicals,” a basic research endeavor funded by the Swedish Research Council. The goal is to develop new perovskite oxides with thermochemical properties tuned for the production of key materials such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methanol, and ethylene. You will use advanced evaluation techniques, data mining, and generative machine learning models to create an active learning cycle to identify materials with adequate properties. Promising materials will be synthesized, characterized, and evaluated in the lab. This will help establish the concept as a viable technology for sustainable and efficient production of key commodities.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, engineering physics, material science, thermal engineering, or similar.
• You will need excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• You need to be highly motivated, interested in science and research, and capable of working both independently and as part of a larger research group.

*For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience of work in a chemistry lab environment (e.g., material synthesis, material characterization, material testing, and evaluation) is highly meritorious.
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and coding for material applications is highly meritorious.
• Experience in ab-initio and DFT calculations of solid materials is also meritorious.

What you will do

• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing as scientific articles.
• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Energy, Environment, and Systems (Energy, Environment and Systems | Chalmers).
• The position includes teaching at Chalmers' undergraduate level, or graduate level, or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The Doctoral position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, which when including 20% institutional work (e.g., teaching) means a total time of employment of up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise, the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student 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 daycare, 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. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

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

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and 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
• Personal letter
• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
• Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.

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 March 13, 2026.

For questions, please contact:
Magnus Rydén
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46317721457

We look forward to your application!

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.