PhD student position in Computational Organic Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 200 employees and has a turnover of 200 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 and civil engineering programs and master's programs.

We are looking for a PhD student to join the group of Assoc. Prof. Henrik Ottosson, one of five research groups within the newly started Synthetic Molecular Chemistry (SMC) programme at Chemistry – Ångström. The SMC program carries out research at the interface between molecular inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry, and with physical chemistry as a significant component.

Research in the Ottosson group is devoted to organic photochemistry, with special focus on applications of aromaticity and antiaromaticity effects in electronically excited states as given by Baird’s rule (see Chem. Rev. 2014, 114, 5379). The group carries out both experimental and computational research, and has an extensive network of collaborations, both with other academic groups and with industry. Research on Baird’s rule on excited state aromaticity and antiaromaticity has historically been of fundamental character, yet, the ambition of the Ottosson group is to use it as a tool for the development of new chemistry with various applications.

Work duties: The research project concerns the photoreactivity of organic molecules interpreted in terms of excited state aromaticity and antiaromaticity. Quantum chemical calculations with various electron correlated methods are central to the research project, and experience in running such calculations will be of high relevance for the PhD student. Qualitative molecular orbital and/or valence bond theories are used both to select which molecular systems should be investigated and as tools in the subsequent analysis of the computed results. The PhD student will form part of a team with both experimental and computational researchers, and thus, the work tasks include interpretation and transfer of the computed results into information that is experimentally relevant. 

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements: At the appointed starting date the applicant must have an MSc degree or the equivalent in computational/theoretical chemistry, preferably with a degree project on application of quantum chemical computations to questions within organic chemistry and/or photochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities; we are looking for a person with good collaboration and communication skills, who is able to work efficiently and independently. Excellent knowledge in English, both written and oral, is a must. The PhD student should also be interested and feel comfortable in both academic and industrial settings. 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include: (i) Letter of motivation, with a short description of your research interests, and why you feel you are a good match for the project; (ii) CV including a description of relevant skills and experiences, as well as a list of potential publications; (iii) a copy of your degree diploma and a transcript of grades on courses taken during BSc and MSc studies; and (iv) names and contact information of three persons who can provide a letter of reference in support of your application, with a short description of how these individuals are professionally related to you. 

Pay: According to local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting: 2019-08-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years

Working hours: 100 %

For further information about the position, please contact:
Associate Professor Henrik Ottosson, phone: +46 18 471 7476, e-mail: henrik.ottosson@kemi.uu.se

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2019-05-22, UFV-PA 2019/1441