PhD student in Inorganic chemistry, sustainable hydrometallurgy - 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 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. Department of Chemistry Ångström Laboratory

Duties 

PhD student in the Inorganic Chemistry research program. The research focuses on hydrometallurgy for resource-efficient processes. Hydrometallurgy is a set of chemical engineering methods in which materials or waste streams – from mining waste to electronic waste – are processed to make precursors for new materials, and where the yield is significantly higher than with conventional methods, such as pyrometallurgy. The research also includes studies on how the properties of materials are affected by chemical composition and crystal structure. For example, it studies how the process parameters and synthesis methods affect material properties. An important area is new magnetic materials based on local raw materials.

The PhD student will work in the intersection of chemistry, earth sciences and materials science; more specifically, with hydrometallurgical methods for processing minerals containing rare earth elements, as well as synthesis and characterization of new magnetic materials. The work is supervised by Professor Martin Sahlberg within the Inorganic Chemistry research program at the Department of Chemistry-Ångström. High temperature synthesis in e.g. electric arc furnace, induction furnace and possibly gas transport methods will also be used. Characterization will mainly be performed with diffraction methods such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and in-situ measurements with synchrotron radiation.

The duties may also include (e.g.): 

• Teaching at first, second and third cycle levels. 
• Supervision of degree projects. 
• Collaboration with business and society. 
• Administration linked to the tasks above.

Requirements 

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• been awarded a second-cycle degree in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or equivalent
• have 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.

The candidate must have:

• very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Applicants should be highly motivated and interested in research in chemistry as well as research on hydrometallurgy. The ability to work both independently and in a team is of great importance. The working group is small but highly productive with high demands on collaboration skills. Applications are assessed according to the following criteria: fulfillment of eligibility requirements, experience in related fields and personal suitability. The application must include a CV, copies of degree certificates and grades. 

Additional qualifications 

• Practical experience in hydrometallurgy or equivalent (e.g. process chemistry), magnetic materials and knowledge of different techniques for synthesis and analysis are merits. 
• Knowledge of Python programming is an asset
• Experience with LaTeX is desirable

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

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: Martin Sahlberg, martin.sahlberg@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 5th of December 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3392.

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