Vacant job

Project Description

Doctoral Subject: Chemistry

We are seeking a doctoral student for a research project investigating radiation-induced processes at oxide-water interfaces – an area of central importance for the safety and performance of nuclear energy systems. Ionizing radiation drives complex chemical reactions at the interfaces between water and oxide materials, affecting corrosion, the release of radionuclides, and long-term barrier stability within the nuclear fuel cycle. Despite its significance, these interfacial processes are still poorly understood at the molecular level. The project combines the development of new in situ experimental methods with mechanistic studies of adsorption, dissolution, and related surface reactions under irradiation, primarily using surface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopy techniques such as Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) and Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Raman spectroscopy. The goal is to identify reactive intermediates, reaction pathways, and the dependence of interfacial chemistry on radiation dose and energy deposition. This is a unique opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of radiation chemistry, surface science, and nuclear safety within an internationally connected research environment.

We are looking for a person with a strong background in physical chemistry who thrives in experimental work.

Supervision: Eric Tyrode and Mats Jonsson are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. The final decision on supervision is made upon admission.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies (Chapter 7, Section 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility:

• completed an advanced level degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or similar, or
• fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or
• acquired knowledge equivalent to the above in some other way, within or outside the country.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English proficiency equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

To succeed in your doctoral studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. In the selection of applicants, the ability to:

• independently drive your work forward,
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach, and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

Experience in vibrational spectroscopy, non-linear optics, or laser spectroscopic methods is considered meritorious.

After meeting the eligibility requirements, great weight will be placed on personal qualities.

Final Degree: Doctorate

Information about Admission and Employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The total employment period may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education over four years. An employed doctoral student may, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within, for example, education and administration. A new employment as a doctoral student is valid for a maximum of one year; the employment may thereafter be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to KTH's employment benefits and receive a monthly salary according to KTH's agreement for doctoral salaries. Read more about Doctoral Studies at KTH (#).

Union Representatives

Contact details for union representatives.

Doctoral Student Section (Student Union of the Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact details for the doctoral student section.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application must include the following:

• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• CV with relevant professional experience and skills.
• Cover letter with a brief account of why you wish to pursue doctoral studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 2 pages)
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

The application must be received by KTH no later than midnight on the last day of application, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other

For information on the processing of personal data in connection with recruitment, see KTH's privacy policy.

It may occur that a position at KTH is classified for security. If this applies to this specific position, a security clearance check will be conducted on the applicant in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security clearance check.

We decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.

Become part of KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and contributing to the transition to a sustainable society. Here, you are offered the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are quality issues and a clear part of KTH's value base as a university and public authority.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH.