Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Physics with a Focus on Catalysis

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We are shaping the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and from the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational programs to match the demanded skills. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Applied Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science. The research focuses on atomic modeling, electronic structure theory, condensed matter theory, astrophysics, and fundamental theoretical physics.

The group you will join conducts research in materials chemistry for green applications and large-scale industrial processes. We use quantum chemical modeling to develop a fundamental understanding of materials and chemical reactions in catalysis and electrochemistry. We conduct both fundamental and application-oriented research in close collaboration with experiments and industry. You will be part of an innovative and international team.

Subject Description

The subject encompasses physics with a focus on calculations and simulations that have close and broad connections to applications and applied research.

Project Description

You will use density functional theory modeling to build a fundamental understanding of electrochemical C-H activation in simple organic molecules over transition metal complexes. The project's goal is to build a mechanistic understanding that can be used to design new heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysts that can be synthesized and tested with our partners.

This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, 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 next 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

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

Job Responsibilities

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you are expected to independently conduct scientific research and communicate results in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting at national and international conferences. Project planning and independent development of the research area are also important parts of the position.

Qualifications

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher who is interested in working with catalysis. The research lies at the intersection of chemistry and physics and is conducted in close collaboration with experiments. Therefore, good communication skills are required, and you should be able to work interdisciplinary.

You should have a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or similar. Your research requires experience with modeling transition metal complexes and mechanistic studies. The research also requires good knowledge in at least one of the following subjects: Molecular electrochemistry, organometallic chemistry, or (homogeneous) catalysis. Expertise in organic chemistry is an advantage. You should be proficient in English, both spoken and written.

It is advantageous if your degree was obtained no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. If there are special reasons, candidates who obtained their doctorate earlier may also be considered, for example, due to various types of statutory leave.

Information

The position as a Postdoctoral Researcher is temporary for 2 years. The place of employment is Luleå. Start date by agreement.

For further information, please contact Dr. Michael Busch, +46 (0)920-49 2978, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

In case of discrepancies between the Swedish and English versions, the English version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume along with copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in English.

Application deadline: March 1, 2026
Reference number: 1602 - 2026