PhD position in Photoredox Catalysis

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. 

This PhD project focuses on the development of plasmon-driven photoelectrocatalytic platforms for proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and photoredox catalysis. The goal is to understand and exploit multi-site concerted electron-proton transfer (MS-CEPT) mechanisms to selectively activate thermodynamically challenging chemical bonds (N–H, O–H, and C–H) under mild conditions. The project combines plasmonic materials, photoelectrochemistry, and ultrafast laser spectroscopy to investigate and control charge transfer, hydrogen bonding, and energy transfer mechanisms at interfaces. By integrating molecularly engineered photoelectrodes with advanced spectroscopy and computational modeling, this research aims to establish fundamental design principles for next-generation sustainable catalytic systems. The outcomes will contribute to developing green synthetic methodologies that replace rare-metal catalysts, enhance reaction selectivity and efficiency, and support the transition to sustainable chemical manufacturing and pharmaceutical synthesis.

Duties

• Catalyst and Photoelectrode Development: Design, fabricate, and molecularly functionalize plasmonic photoelectrodes for photoredox catalysis and proton-coupled electron transfer studies.
• Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterization: Conduct steady-state and time-resolved measurements (UV-Vis, Raman, XPS, transient absorption, photoluminescence, electrochemical analysis) to probe charge transfer dynamics.
• Mechanistic Studies: Investigate reaction kinetics, tunneling, and hydrogen-bonding effects in multi-site PCET reactions through photoelectrochemical and laser-based methods.
• Product Analysis: Analyze reaction products using spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as NMR, Raman spectroscopy and HPLC/GC-MS.
• Computational and Theoretical Analysis: Collaborate on DFT modeling of bond dissociation free energies (BDFE) and charge transfer energetics.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze spectroscopic and kinetic data, employ statistical and machine learning approaches where relevant, and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project partners at Uppsala University, Gothenburg University, and international collaborators (Sorbonne University) in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Requirements

• been awarded a second-cycle degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in photocatalysis and electrochemistry, ideally with a focus on energy or environmental applications.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques for materials synthesis, electrode preparation, and analytical methods.
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and interest in sustainability and green technologies.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.

Merits

• Experience with plasmonic or photoredox systems.
• Skills in time-resolved spectroscopy (e.g., transient absorption, photoluminescence).
• Experience with surface analysis techniques (e.g., XPS, Raman, FTIR).

Conditions

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2026-02-01 or 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: Prof. Jacinto Sá, jacinto.sa@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 29 of December 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3457.