PhD position in Photocatalysis

Uppsala universitet (Uppsala University); Uppsala; On-site; SEK 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

Uppsala University is seeking a PhD candidate for a groundbreaking project in sustainable nitrogen conversion. This role involves developing innovative photoelectrochemical processes for localized fertilizer production, contributing to greener agricultural practices, and collaborating within an interdisciplinary team in a dynamic research environment.

Benefits

Fixed salary

Collaborative research environment

Opportunities for publications

Strong international position of the university

Support in moving to Sweden

Qualifications

• Master's degree with independent project.
• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test plasmonic photocatalysts for nitrogen fixation.
• Construct integrated photoelectrochemical devices.
• Analyze reaction products using spectroscopy.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Interdisciplinary research

Sustainability interest

Communication skills

Programming (e.g., Python)

Education

Second-cycle qualification or equivalent

Tools

Spectroscopic techniques (e.g., UV-Vis, Raman, NMR)

Imaging techniques (e.g., SEM, AFM)

Job description

2025-06-24

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: (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1).

Duties

This PhD project focuses on developing a sustainable and decentralized method for converting atmospheric nitrogen and waste nitrates into ammonium nitrate using electricity and light in water at neutral pH. The research combines plasmonic and semiconductor-based photoelectrocatalysis to create a novel dual-catalyst system capable of producing fertilizer locally and under mild conditions. By addressing key challenges in nitrogen activation - such as high energy requirements and low selectivity - the project aims to establish a scalable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible alternative to the Haber-Bosch process, supporting the transition to sustainable agriculture and localized fertilizer production.

Example Of Duties

• Catalyst Development: Design, synthesize, and characterize plasmonic and other photocatalytic materials tailored for nitrogen fixation and upgrade nitrate waste in aqueous media.
• Electrode Fabrication and Testing: Prepare photoelectrodes and test them in half-cell and full-cell configurations under varying light and electrochemical conditions.
• Device Assembly: Contribute to the construction of an integrated photoelectrochemical device capable of nitrogen-to-fertilizer conversion without membrane separation.
• Product Analysis: Analyze reaction products (e.g., nitrate and ammonium) using spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as HPLC, Raman spectroscopy, and NMR.
• Sustainability Assessment: Support the evaluation of energy efficiency and environmental impact to ensure alignment with sustainable development goals.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Work closely with the research team, participate in project meetings, document results, and contribute to publications and dissemination.
  
  

Requirements

The candidate must have:

• been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• 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.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• 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.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.
  
  

Additional Qualifications

• Photoelectrochemical systems
• Clean room experience in ALD synthesis
• Spectroscopic techniques (e.g., UV-Vis, Raman, NMR, XPS)
• Imaging techniques (e.g., SEM, AFM)
• Programming skills (e.g., Python) for data analysis
• Previous work related to nitrogen chemistry or sustainable fertilizer production
  
  

About The Employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5

• 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2025-09-01 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 Email: [e-mail]

Please submit your application by 15th of August, 2025 UFV-PA 2025/2177.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

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

https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/

The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placering: Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory Omfattning: Full time Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 % Anställningsform: Temporary position Lön: Fixed salary Antal lediga befattningar: 1 Ort: Uppsala Fackliga företrädare:

• Seko Universitetsklubben [e-mail]
• ST/TCO [e-mail]
• Saco-rådet [e-mail]
  
  

Referensnummer: UFV-PA 2025/2177 Sista dag för ansökan: 8 juli 2025 Sök jobbet