Vacant job

Admission to doctoral studies in Technical Physics with a focus on Nanotechnology and Functional Materials.

At the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science, Uppsala University.

The Department of Materials Science aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education focused on materials science solutions for major societal challenges.

The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science at the Ångström Laboratory.

Project Description

Our research group specializes in the development of porous materials for applications such as gas separation (particularly greenhouse gases), water purification, catalysis, and drug delivery. We have strong expertise in the synthesis and optimization of a broad spectrum of porous materials, including porous oxides, zeolites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and similar materials.

This project focuses primarily on environmental applications of porous materials, such as MOFs. Specific application areas include adsorption and catalytic degradation of pollutants, particularly PFAS and greenhouse gases. The project mainly involves the synthesis, characterization, and optimization of both existing and new MOFs.

Job Responsibilities

The main task for a doctoral student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects and doctoral education courses. The responsibilities may also include involvement in teaching and other departmental work, but this will not exceed 20% of working hours.

Being a doctoral student means independently driving projects within a specific field of doctoral education.

When admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. Employment as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years.

The responsibilities include:

• Synthesis and characterization (e.g., X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and gas adsorption) of porous materials.
• Testing materials for sorption-related applications within our current research areas, with a special focus on the removal of PFAS from water through adsorption, as well as the development, optimization, and implementation of catalytic degradation of PFAS molecules using MOFs.
• Working in an interdisciplinary team with national and international collaboration partners.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible for doctoral studies is someone who:

has completed a second-cycle degree or completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at second-cycle level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or has otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

Qualification Requirements

Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a similar area considered equivalent by the employer.

Documented knowledge and experience in porous materials, especially synthesis and characterization of porous framework materials, as well as diffraction techniques (e.g., X-ray diffraction) and applications of porous framework materials.

We require good oral and written proficiency in English.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) Chapter 5, Sections 1–7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

Desirable/Additional Merits

Documented knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an asset:

• Adsorption of pollutants from water
• Photocatalysis
• Synthetic chemistry, including organic synthesis

We place great emphasis on your personal qualities. You should be self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to independently plan and drive projects. You should also be structured and able to work efficiently both individually and in a group, as well as have an easy time collaborating and communicating with people from different disciplines.

Your application should include:

• A short cover letter describing yourself, why you want to pursue a doctorate, and why you are suitable for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• A certified copy of your master’s/civil engineering degree and your course grades.
• Copies (or drafts) of your second-cycle thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to cite.
• Names and contact details of at least two referees who have agreed to act as references for you, along with any additional recommendation letters. It should also be clear what relationship you have had with each referee.

The application should be written in English. We will review applications continuously and invite candidates to interviews.

About the Position

The employment is fixed-term, according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 7. The position is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the position is provided by:

Ocean Cheung, +46 18 471 7811, [email protected]

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To view the full advertisement, please click "Apply here" or visit Uppsala University's website for job postings.

Please submit your application by 2026-08-17, Ref. UFV-PA 2026/2080

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and engagement, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University: https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The employment may be subject to a security clearance. A prerequisite for employment in case of security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of assistance with recruitment and advertising.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union Representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]