PhD student in Physical Chemistry Full-time

PhD Student in Physical Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs.

Duties

The PhD student will be part of Physical Chemistry research group at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström and will work in a project focusing on the development of a new time-resolved operando Soft X-ray spectroscopic method for mechanistic studies of electrocatalytic reactions.

The ultimate goal of the project is to apply this new experimental tool to probe the fundaments of electrocatalysis. The doctoral project will involve the conceptual and practical development of the methodology for electrochemically initiated time-resolved soft X-ray spectroscopy, including construction and optimization of measurement setups and electrochemical cells compatible with synchrotron-based spectroscopy. The work also includes preparation and characterization of electrocatalytic materials, performance of electrochemical and spectroscopic experiments, participation in synchrotron measurement sessions, and analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

The project combines physical chemistry, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and instrumentation development. The PhD student is also expected to contribute to dissemination of results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences, and to take courses corresponding to third-cycle education.

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must:

• been awarded a second-cycle degree in Chemistry or Physics or Engineering.
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master's level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits
• acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

The candidate must have:

• very good oral and written proficiency in English
• good interest and some experience in chemistry/physics laboratory practice
• strong interest in fundamental physico-chemical processes
• ability to work independently and collaboratively
• some experience or a good interest in instrument development (programming, electronics, hands-on experimental work)
• some experience and/or a good interest in data analysis
• an investigative, creative and problem-solving mindset

Importantly, we place high value on personal suitability. A collaborative attitude and a positive approach to teamwork are essential, as we aim to maintain an open, supportive, and enjoyable working environment.

Please state if and how artificial intelligence has been used in the application.

Additional qualifications

It is considered a plus but not a requirement if the candidate has one or more of the following skills:

• experience in X-ray spectroscopy, or time-resolved spectroscopy or any kind of spectroscopy
• experience in electrochemical analysis and interpretation
• programming skills and/or knowledge of Linux systems
• synthesis of inorganic materials

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date: as soon as possible. Placement: the Ångström laboratory (Uppsala).

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position, please contact: Luca D'Amario; Tel: +46737217100; luca.damario@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 29 May 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1233.