PhD student for the synthesis of covalent-organic frameworks with electrical conductivity and X-ray absorption properties

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 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 programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website

Duties
The project aims at the design, synthesis and testing of new covalent organic framework (COF) materials that are simultaneously electrically conducting and exhibit X-ray absorption properties. The developed materials will be tested as functional components for flexible X-ray detector technologies.

The design and synthesis aspects of the project require the applicant to have a strong background in molecular chemistry with an interest in physical chemistry. You will focus on the synthesis of the COF semiconductor materials, and their preliminary electrochemical characterization. You will be working jointly with chemists, materials scientists and device physicists to carry out your research, which will involve close and regular interaction with the other participating research groups at Linköping university (led by Professors Feng Gao and Mats Fahlman), and Chalmers University (led by Professor Eva Olsson).

The main duties involved in the doctoral studies are to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of the work time. The student will also take third-cycle courses related to the research topics. A successful PhD student is expected to perform high quality research as part of a team, with the aim of disseminating the resulting works through publication in high impact peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international conferences.

Requirements
The candidate must have:

• been awarded a second-cycle qualification in Chemistry or Materials Science, or
• completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented experience in molecular synthetic chemistry.
• Documented theoretical and practical experience in electrochemistry.
• Capability to express oneself clearly, document experimental work, and work together with others in a research environment.

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.

Additional qualifications

• Prior experience in molecular electrochemistry is advantageous
• Documented experience in the synthesis of COFs or metal-organic frameworks is advantageous.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2025-10-01 or as agreed. Placement: Department of Chemistry – Ångström; Sascha Ott’s research group

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position, please contact: 
Sascha Ott, Sascha.ott@kemi.uu.se

Application Instructions
Please include a Letter of Intent, specifying:
1. What motivates you to pursue a PhD? 
2. What interests you most about this position?
3. In what ways do you feel your skills and experiences align with the requirements for this role?

Please submit your application by 30 June 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1846.

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