Vacant job

Your Responsibilities

The project focuses on electrocatalysis and the optimization of electrolyzer systems for sustainable energy and chemical conversion. The research will encompass reactions such as CO₂ conversion, water splitting, upgrading of biomass-derived molecules, and other small-molecule transformations, with the aim of developing efficient, selective, and stable catalytic systems.

You will play a leading role in developing research activities that connect catalyst design, operando spectroscopic characterization, investigation of reaction mechanisms, and optimization of unit-level performance. The work may include catalyst synthesis, electrochemical testing, product analysis, operando spectroscopy, mechanistic studies, and optimization of electrolyzer configurations.

You are expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present results at international conferences, contribute to collaborations, and participate in supervising younger researchers. You may also contribute to the development of new experimental platforms and research directions within the group.

As a postdoctoral researcher, your primary duty will be research. Teaching may also be included in the duties, but limited to a maximum of one-fifth of the working time.

Your Qualifications

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must have completed a PhD or have a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD. Your degree must be completed no later than the time the employment decision is made.

It is meritorious if your degree was completed no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. In exceptional cases, such as various types of statutory leave, a degree completed earlier may also be considered.

We are looking for you who have a PhD in chemistry, materials science, or another relevant field. You should have a strong research background in electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, materials chemistry, or a related area. The position requires good communication skills in English, both oral and written, as well as the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research and publish scientific results.

We would also appreciate if you have experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass upgrading, nitrogen reduction, or related electrochemical reactions
• catalyst synthesis, material characterization, interface science
• electrolyzers, reactor design, optimization of electrochemical systems
• operando spectroscopy, such as Raman, FTIR, XAS, or other related techniques

Documented experience in operando spectroscopy, advanced electrochemical measurements, design of electrolyzers or reaction cells, or mechanistic studies of catalytic reactions is particularly meritorious. Experience in supervising students, developing independent research ideas, or working in international collaborations is also meritorious.

You are scientifically curious, creative, and self-motivated. You have good problem-solving skills, a careful and responsible approach to experimental work, and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others in an interdisciplinary research environment. You are expected to take initiative, contribute to the development of new research directions, and actively participate in the research group's scientific activities.

Your Workplace

Your workplace will be Lizhou Fan's group at Linköpings universitet (Linköping University). The group works with electrocatalysis, operando spectroscopy, and optimization of electrolyzer systems for sustainable energy conversion. The group focuses on understanding and optimizing electrocatalysts and catalytic systems for CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass upgrading, and other small-molecule transformations, emphasizing the connection between catalytic mechanisms and practical performance. The group has active collaborations with leading international research groups in the field.

The Division of Materials Design conducts research, undergraduate education, and doctoral education in materials physics and materials chemistry. The division combines theory and modeling, material synthesis, characterization, and property testing, with a special focus on materials for sustainable technologies. The division offers an stimulating interdisciplinary environment with strong expertise in materials theory, thin films, and nanolaminated materials as well as applied electrochemistry.

Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE)

This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest investment in materials science in Sweden ever, encompassing major investments at Sweden's leading universities over a 12-year period. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Research School, an ambitious nationwide program with seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

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

About the Position

The employment is for a fixed term of two years with the possibility of extension, for a total employment period of up to three years. The position as a postdoctoral researcher is full-time.

Start date by agreement.

Salary and Benefits

The university applies individual salary setting; please state your salary requirements in your application.

Read more about benefits for employees: https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner)

Union Representatives

Information about union representatives, see: https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande).

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than July 2, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is self-evident to safeguard everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with equal terms and diversity (https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/).

We look forward to receiving your application!

Linköping University has procured agreements and declines direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.