PhD in Chemistry Education - 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 230 employees and has a turnover of 220 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. More information is available on our website.

Description of research project: Modelling is an activity at the heart of chemistry, a way of understanding, analysing and capturing the essential features of chemical phenomena at both molecular and macroscopic levels. Mathematics is frequently used for constructing and analyzing models, as the language for describing processes and mechanisms, as well as the means for gaining insights and making predictions, in combination with underlying chemical principles. The research focus of this PhD position is to understand how university students’ knowledge and conceptual understanding of chemistry inform and integrate with their use of mathematics in problem-solving. This research aims to contribute to both theoretical and practical insights by exploring how students navigate the interdisciplinary interface between chemistry and mathematics.

Work duties: The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and seminars, as well as completing third-cycle courses. Work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). The period of employment is in that case extended accordingly.

Eligibility 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 within subject at the second cycle relevant for the PhD position, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Required qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent as above in chemistry, or in teacher education with chemistry as the main specialisation
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English, in both speaking and writing.
• Completed mathematics courses in algebra and calculus, or equivalent, to a minimum of 15 credits.

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.

Desirable qualifications:

• Advanced studies in mathematics are highly desirable.
• Advanced studies in other subjects relevant for the position, such as within education or physical chemistry, are desirable.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in Swedish, Norwegian or Danish, in both speaking and writing, is desirable.
• Experience of teaching chemistry, mathematics or natural sciences is desirable.

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 must include a statement introducing the applicant and his or her research interests. The application must additionally include a CV, copies of degree certificates and transcript of grades, Master thesis, published articles and other relevant material upon which the applicant would like to rely in his or her application. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons must be included.

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

Starting: 2020-09-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position, please contact Felix Ho, 018-471 6579 or 070 1679529, felix.ho@kemi.uu.se. Maja Elmgren 018-471 1332 or 070 425 0987, maja.elmgren@kemi.uu.se.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 5 June 2020, UFV-PA 2020/1467.