The Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences conducts research and education in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. More than 100 people, including around 45 PhD students, work at the department. New employees and students are recruited from all over the world and English is the main working language. The department is located at the Biomedical Centre in Uppsala, which facilitates collaborations with research groups in biology, pharmacy, medicine and SciLifeLab and gives…
access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. The international environment and good opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations enables PhD students at the department to participate in relevant research projects and prepare for an international research career.
Read more about the research at The Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences at our website.
Project description
The PhD student will participate in an innovative project involving elements from supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition, catalysis and chemistry of heavier main-group elements, aiming at discovery of novel routes for selective synthesis. Key analytical techniques to be used include advanced multinuclear NMR as well as other advanced methods for studying molecular structure and molecular interactions.
Duties
The main duties of PhD 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 (not more than 20 % of full time).
Read more about being a Doctoral student here.
Requirements
- To be eligible for doctoral education, a basic higher education equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at Master's level, including an independent project equivalent to at least 15 credits, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, is required. More information about the general requirements can be found here.
- A student has special eligibility for doctoral studies in organic chemistry if s/he has passed courses of at least 90 higher education credits (or equivalent) of courses relevant to the specialization. At least 40 higher education credits must be in organic chemistry at an advanced level (second cycle). More information about the subject specific requirements can be found here.
- Emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities such as good collaborative skills, motivation, and independence, as well as how the applicant through his/her experience and competence is judged to have the abilities necessary to develop within and acquire the doctoral education.
- Good English communication, including an ability to clearly disseminate research findings orally and in writing, are essential.
Additional qualifications
Selection will be based on the applicant's educational background (BSc as well as MSc level with emphasis on the latter), relevant practical and communication skills and additional experiences relevant for successfully undertaking the PhD education and the project.
A background in experimental organic synthesis, the development or investigation of catalytic processes, or the study of non-covalent interactions will be considered favourably. Familiarity with analytical and characterisation techniques such as NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and chromatographic methods for purification and analysis would also be advantageous.
Relevant experiences, knowledge and skills should be clearly documented in the application and may be exemplified by content and result from taught courses, degree projects, research placements and employments as well as reports, including any publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
Doctoral students normally participate for some in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels. Previous experience from teaching/mentoring, also from environments outside of school/university, as well as other outreach activities may therefore be an advantage.
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100%. The intended starting date is 14th January 2027 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala
For further information about the position, please contact: (e-mail: andrew.docker@kemi.uu.se)
Please submit your application by 29 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2895.