Postdoctoral position in ultrafast X-ray Science for Studies on Photochemical Reactions and Inorganic Systems

The research program in Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, focuses on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at the atomic length and time scales of Ångströms and femtoseconds. The program has a leading position in the use of X-ray radiation for probing atoms, molecules, chemical systems and biomolecules. The research addresses fundamental questions in chemistry, biology and physics with the aim to reveal how the properties of a system result from its electronic structure and dynamics with applications in biophysics, chemistry and catalysis.

The position is placed in the group of Prof. Philippe Wernet. Research will be carried out using experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities and x-ray free-electron lasers combined with femtosecond laser spectroscopy at Uppsala University.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Read more: WISE  

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Read more here about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties

• Perform research on the photochemistry of metal complexes, catalysts or molecular systems in solution with time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and scattering
• Help to extend current capabilities for X-ray spectroscopy of dilute metal catalysts in solution to air-free conditions
• Propose, acquire, organize, and lead beamtimes at international large-scale X-ray facilities
• Help to develop and apply new capabilities for lab-based ultrafast photochemical studies in our lab at Uppsala University
• Actively engage in scientific collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups internationally
• Co-supervise Master, Bachelor and PhD students
• Help organizing scientific meetings

Requirements
PhD degree in Physics or Chemistry. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

• High motivation and strong team spirit
• Fluency in both written and spoken English
• Very good experimental skills
• Proven experience in steady-state and time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and/or scattering of metal complexes or molecular catalysts in solution
• Proven experience with complex instrumentation for X-ray techniques at large-scale X-ray facilities
• Proven experience in performing beamtime campaigns at large-scale X-ray facilities

Additional qualifications

• Proficiency in software analysis of X-ray spectroscopy/scattering data sets from large-scale X-ray facilities
• Motivation for: acquiring new expertise (such as in ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy with lab-based sources or ultrafast laser spectroscopy), collaborating with theory groups, teaching at higher-education institutions, or acquiring external grants

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Philippe Wernet, +46 72 9999707, philippe.wernet@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 14 August 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1706.

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