Vacant job

Department of Molecular Sciences

Third-cycle subject area: Chemistry

Description of the doctoral project

Do you want to work on a project aimed at replacing fossil sources with forest raw materials for the production of biomaterials? Are you interested in immersing yourself in molecular interactions at the atomic level using advanced analytical instruments? Do you want to work with a team of researchers who share these interests? If so, this PhD position might be for you.

The overall goal of this PhD project is to enzymatically modify glycans from hemicellulose to produce bio-based crosslinkers for applications in adhesives, hydrogels, and other crosslinked materials. However, many materials considered bio-based, such as wood fibreboards, hydrogels, and stabilizers from non-fossil polymers, still rely on crosslinkers of fossil origin that are often highly harmful chemicals. Fibreboards for furniture, construction, and insulation typically contain around 9% glue consisting of urea formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen, and its emissions from fibreboards are a major concern.

Oxidative enzymes will be used on hemicellulose substrates, such as xyloglucan and glucomannan, to obtain aldehyde and ketone functions on the sugar ring in parallel with partial degradation into oligosaccharides. The expected result is a collection of non-toxic, bio-based crosslinkers that can potentially replace formaldehyde and similar fossil-based crosslinkers.

About the position

You will be part of a research group conducting research in organic chemistry and biotechnology, focusing on the structural analysis of enzymes and carbohydrate substrates using NMR spectroscopy, as well as the development of new methods for studying interactions between proteins and carbohydrates using NMR spectroscopy.

The project involves extensive laboratory work and will utilize advanced characterization techniques using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to draw conclusions about the structural composition of the crosslinkers and the crosslinked materials. To achieve these goals while ensuring a productive and enriching environment, the project includes supervision in organic chemistry, enzymology, and wood technology. The position also includes teaching responsibilities of up to 20% of the time.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements, you must:

• have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification;
• have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the second-cycle level, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes in chemistry: To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have at least 60 ECTS credits in chemistry-related subjects (general, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry). This must include a degree project, and at least 30 ECTS credits must be at the second-cycle level.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who holds a Master’s degree in a field relevant to the position, such as organic chemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, or equivalent. A focus on biochemistry or organic chemistry with experience in laboratory work is valuable, as is experience in NMR spectroscopy and/or protein expression and purification. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as collaborative skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently. Good knowledge of English (both spoken and written) is required.

About us

You will be placed within the subject area of organic chemistry at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Uppsala. The department consists of approximately 100 employees and, together with three other departments, forms an inspiring research environment at the BioCenter on the Ultuna campus in Uppsala. At the BioCenter, there is broad expertise in plant biology, plant pathology, plant genetics, mycology, microbiology, food science, chemistry, and biotechnology. We have access to advanced infrastructure such as a fermentation lab, advanced microscopy, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The department conducts research and teaching in chemistry, biotechnology, food science, and microbiology. Our research projects include, among other things, enzymatic degradation of forest raw materials, production of fish feed from yeasts, programmed cell death in plants, and biogas production. More information about the department is available at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/molecular-sciences/.

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes at http://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

Form of employment

Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme).

Doctoral students' salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start date:

Upon agreement, but no later than December 2026.

Application and selection:

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is August 5, 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

Note: This is a shortened version of the advertisement adapted to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s (Platsbanken) system. Please see the full advertisement on SLU’s website:

https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/