Vacant job

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Your Responsibilities

The project focuses on the development and optimization of electrocatalysts and electrolyzer systems for sustainable energy conversion. The research will address both fundamental and applied questions within electrocatalysis, including CO₂ conversion, water splitting, upgrading of biomass-derived molecules, and other small-molecule conversions. The project aims to develop broadly applicable strategies for optimizing catalytic performance and mechanistic understanding in electrochemical systems.

The doctoral student will work on the design, characterization, and optimization of catalysts and electrolyzer configurations. The work may include catalyst synthesis, operando spectroscopic measurements, investigation of reaction mechanisms, and optimization of catalytic performance at both the material and device levels.

The doctoral student is also expected to contribute to the development of new research directions, keep accurate laboratory notebooks, and present results at group meetings and scientific conferences. Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals will be an integrated part of the role.

As a doctoral student, you will focus on your doctoral education and the research project you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or participating in other departmental duties, up to 20 percent of full-time employment.

Your Qualifications

You have completed an advanced level degree in chemistry or materials science, or completed courses totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level in chemistry or materials science, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

A strong background in one or more of the following areas is considered meritorious:

• electrochemistry, electrocatalysis
• CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass upgrading, or other small-molecule catalytic reactions
• materials chemistry, catalyst synthesis, characterization, or surface/interface science
• electrolyzer testing, reactor design, optimization of electrochemical systems
• operando spectroscopy, such as Raman, FTIR, XAS, or other related techniques

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who are motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries within electrochemical catalysis, spectroscopy, materials science, and sustainable chemical conversion.

The position requires good communication skills in English, both oral and written. The candidate should be able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others in an interdisciplinary research environment. Important personal qualities include scientific curiosity, creativity, problem-solving skills, precision in experimental work, and a strong motivation to develop new methods and ideas.

Your Workplace

Your workplace will be Lizhou Fan's group at Linköping University.

Lizhou Fan's 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 conversions, with an emphasis on linking catalytic mechanisms to practical performance. The group has active collaborations with leading international research groups in the field.

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology conducts research, undergraduate education, and doctoral education in solid-state physics, chemistry, and bioscience. The department combines theory and modeling, material synthesis, characterization, and property testing, with a special focus on materials for sustainable technologies. The department 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 period of 12 years. 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 doctoral students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

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

About the Position

Upon commencement of employment, you will be admitted to the doctoral education program. Read more about the respective faculty's doctoral education: https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning (https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning)

The employment is fixed-term for normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years occurs based on the extent of teaching and departmental duties. Under special circumstances, further extension may be granted. You will initially be employed for one year, after which the employment is renewed for up to two years at a time, based on achieved study plan progress.

Commencement date by agreement.

Salary and Benefits

Doctoral student salaries are regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. 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).