Vacant job

Do you want to work with X-rays and their application on molecular catalysts, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, advantageous working conditions? We welcome you to apply for the position of PhD student at Uppsala University.

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy covers a broad spectrum of physics disciplines, distributed across nine sections. The department is located in the Ångström Laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, including 100 PhD students. We offer a broad physics curriculum for undergraduate and doctoral students, participation in nationally and internationally leading research projects, and opportunities for partnerships with industry as well as various outreach activities. Read more at uu.se/fysik (https://uu.se/fysik).

The Division of Chemical and Biomolecular Physics focuses on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at the atomic length and time scales (in Ångströms and femtoseconds). The program holds a leading position in the use of X-ray radiation to investigate atoms, molecules, and chemical and biomolecular systems. We develop and apply new X-ray methods and instrumentation, striving to reveal how the properties of a system result from its electronic structure and dynamics, with applications in environmental, biophysical, and chemical systems.

Responsibilities

The PhD student will develop and apply X-ray spectroscopic techniques in the soft and hard X-ray regimes at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers. In close collaboration with theory groups, the goal is to study the valence electron structure of transition metal complexes to better understand their functionality in areas such as light harvesting and bond activation. The PhD student will be responsible for the development of new spectroscopy infrastructure and for the design, execution, and analysis of experiments aimed at understanding how charge distributions in transition metal complexes determine their reactivity towards specific molecular transformations. Additional responsibilities include writing scientific manuscripts, presenting research results at internal meetings and international conferences, and actively participating in collaborations with other experimental and theoretical groups.

Qualifications

Eligibility for doctoral studies is granted to those who have:

• completed an advanced level degree in physics, chemistry (or a related subject), or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

You must have very good oral and written skills in English.

Desirable / Meritorious

Very good knowledge of molecular physics and spectroscopy is desirable, as is previous practical experience with X-ray spectroscopy and instrumentation. Experience in analyzing large datasets as well as quantum chemical simulations is an advantage, but not strictly required.

Regulations for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Sections 1–7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

About the Position

The appointment is fixed-term, according to HE Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 7. The position is full-time. Start date: 01-10-2026 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the position is provided by: Dr. Raphael Jay, +46 76-022 67 04, [email protected]

In this recruitment, we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.

Please submit your application no later than August 14, 2026, Ref. UFV-PA 2026/2138.

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 commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

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 position may be subject to a security clearance. In the event of a security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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