PhD position 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 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 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. As there is relatively little research in this area, the doctoral student will have ample opportunities to arrive at new findings and make significant contributions to knowledge in this area.

Work duties: 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%). The period of employment is in that case extended accordingly.

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:

• Degree, teacher education qualification or equivalent as above, with at least 90 credits in chemistry, of which at least 40 credits at the second-cycle level.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• 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, as well as the social and communications skills of the applicant in being able to interact with individuals from different educational and disciplinary backgrounds. Significant weight will also be placed on how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary to successfully complete the doctoral programme.

Additional requirements:

• 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.
• Experience in leading or collaborating in educational projects (discipline-based or otherwise) 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 should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

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

Starting date: 01-02-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

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.

Please submit your application by December 21 2020, UFV-PA 2020/4575.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.