Vacant job

Description

The research within the program for physical chemistry spans a wide area – from studies of reaction mechanisms to fundamental theory of electron transfer and development of artificial photosynthesis, with a particular focus on light-induced electron transfer reactions and production of solar electrofuels and products.

Within the research program Physical Chemistry, we conduct both fundamental and targeted research on solar energy conversion, chemical dynamics, as well as surface, colloid, and macromolecular chemistry. Our research is successful and internationally recognized, and we participate in a large proportion of externally funded national and international collaborative projects.

We are seeking a researcher in time-resolved soft X-ray spectroelectrochemistry for artificial photosynthesis, to develop new methods that can characterize the dynamics of electrocatalysts at the molecular level. The developed method should enable understanding of the mechanisms behind water oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction in synthetic electrocatalysts, and should therefore focus on the analysis of light elements (e.g., O, C, N). The researcher will further develop our research in these areas by advancing our time-resolved spectroelectrochemical Raman, electrochemical, and synchrotron-based hard/soft X-ray spectroscopies (including in-situ XAS) and apply these in mechanistic studies of these electrocatalysts, as well as use the insights for their continued development. Improving the time resolution of these methods through the development of new hardware will be a central part of the project.

The position is placed within the Physical Chemistry program at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström. The holder of the position will work in an international, interdisciplinary, and dynamic environment with excellent opportunities to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

The researcher will work on projects aimed at exploring new approaches to study the mechanisms behind electrocatalytic water oxidation and CO₂ reduction. This primarily includes the development of new instrumentation (based on X-ray spectroscopy, Raman, and UV/Vis) aimed at increasing the time resolution of in-situ techniques, development of inorganic synthetic catalysts, as well as conducting and analyzing physical-chemical experiments.

Applicants are also expected to participate in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels (max 20%) and supervise PhD students.

Qualifications

The position requires a PhD in chemistry or a related field. Applicants must have documented scientific expertise, demonstrated through scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Applicants must also have extensive experience in developing experimental methods and physical-chemical studies of electrocatalytic water oxidation and CO₂ reduction. The candidate should have extensive experience in synchrotron-based operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman, and classical time-resolved spectroscopy, as well as their application in studies of electro- and photocatalytic mechanisms. Deep practical and theoretical knowledge of electrochemistry and in-situ spectroscopy (Raman, UV-Vis, X-ray) is also necessary. Applicants must have demonstrated the ability to attract significant, competitive external funding.

The project involves extensive collaboration within an interdisciplinary project, and therefore, collaboration skills as well as excellent oral and written English skills are of great importance. In the assessment of candidates, particular emphasis will be placed on documented scientific expertise.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen the ongoing research within the department and contribute to its future development.

Uppsala University intends to employ the person who, after a comprehensive assessment of competence, skills, and documented qualifications, is deemed to have the best conditions to perform and develop the current tasks and contribute to a positive development of the operations.

Conditions

The employment is permanent. The extent is full-time. Start date by agreement. Place of work: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact Leif Hammarström, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Welcome with your application no later than February 16, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/4052.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. 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 here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment during security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])