PhD in artificial photosynthesis - 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 260 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 master's programs. More information is available on our website. 

Subject description/research project: Within the Program Molecular Biomimetics we are looking for a highly motivated and educated candidate eager to contribute to our research on developing molecular catalysts for water oxidation, an important part of developing sustainable solar fuels/chemicals production via artificial photosynthesis.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group led by Dr Mun Hon Cheah, and have access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational research facilities that are supported by competent scientific staff. You will also benefit from attractive working conditions (4-year salary, no tuition fees, comprehensive health care, supportive and collaborative working environment).

Work duties: You will perform rational design of molecular water oxidation catalysts aided by computational modelling followed by synthesis of the target catalysts. The newly synthesized catalysts and its performance will be characterised by a combination of techniques, including electrochemisty, XRD, XPS, FTIR, EPR, XAS spectroscopy and membrane-inlet mass spectrometry. With these techniques, you will investigate structure-function-performance relationships of molecular water oxidation catalysts and fine tune the performance to achieve high catalytic rates and stability. You are expected to participate in international collaborations, which may involve travel to beam times and research visits in the partner’s labs.

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.

Required qualifications: We are looking for a PhD candidate with enthusiasm for experimental work, who has also an interest in data analysis and DFT calculations. The candidate must have:

• Degree or equivalent as above in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics or another relevant field.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Desirable qualifications: A solid background in electrochemistry, peptide synthesis or computational modelling in chemistry will be beneficial.

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: 01-05-2021 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: Dr Mun Hon Cheah, email: michael.cheah@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 22 April 2021, UFV-PA 2021/850.

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.