PhD student in Materials Chemistry with a specialization in poly(ionic liquid) composites for N[...]

Department of Chemistry; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 357,120 - 468,720; Full time

Job summary

Stockholm University’s Department of Chemistry invites applications for a PhD student position focusing on materials chemistry and poly(ionic liquid) composites as catalysts for Na-CO2 batteries. The role blends theory and experiment, with interdisciplinary activities across FTIR, NMR, XAS, and DFT analyses, and opportunities for secondments in consortium partners.

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in materials chemistry or related fields, and experience in polymer chemistry,

Qualifications

• General entry requirements must be met (second-cycle degree or equivalent).
• Special entry requirements include a bachelor’s degree with major in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or physics and an independent project (≥30 credits).
• Eligibility can include essentially equivalent knowledge obtained in Sweden or elsewhere.

Skills

English proficiency

Analytical thinking

Initiative

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science/physics

Independent project of ≥30 credits at advanced level

Job description

PhD student in Materials Chemistry with a specialization in poly(ionic liquid) composites for Na-CO2 batteries

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. The Research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry and organic chemistry. The research projects are many from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The department also hosts the Bachelor's degree programme in chemistry and three Master's programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. More information about us, please visit: Department of Chemistry .

Project title: Poly(ionic liquid)s composites for catalysing highly efficient CO2 conversion in Na-CO2 batteries

The project will develop poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs)-based composites as cathode catalysts for accelerating CO2 conversion in Na-CO2 batteries. The purpose is to combine aminated PILs and no-critical transition metal catalysts for activating and catalysing CO2 redox conversion at the S-L interfaces. The structure-activity rela-tionship between groups in polymers, metal centres and electrochemical CO2 reduction/evolution performances will be studied by FTIR, NMR, CO2 adsorption/desorption, TEM (cooperation with DC#3). The chemical envi-ronments of metal sites will be clarified ex-situ and operando XAS (cooperation with DC#11). The latter will be combined with DFT calculations to unveil the CO2 conversion mechanism. Swagelok-type cells will be assembled to elucidate the electrochemical performance, including the CV plots for determining redox reactions, GDC profiles for cycle stability and rate capability. The project will also require 3 secondments of the PhD student (8 months) in the consortium partners.

The ideal applicant is proactive and equipped with a problem-solving mindset. The ambition to conduct interdisciplinary research at the broad breadth of materials chemistry is an asset. Candidates with a solid foundation in materials chemistry, polymer chemistry, electrocatalysis, chemical engineering, and/or battery operation and materials specialisation are encouraged to apply.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

To meet the special entry requirements to be admitted to doctoral level education in materials chemistry, the applicant must have a bachelor's degree with major in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or physics and must have completed an independent project comprising at least 30 higher education credits at the advanced level. Special eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in another order within or outside Sweden.

The project (101311389 – e-ChemIn) is a part within the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) program under the HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01 call. The applicant should not have resided in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date, and not having carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden during this period. The applicant must be a doctoral candidate (not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment).

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the supervisor Professor Jiayin Yuan, [e-mail] .

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Type of employment

Type of employment Temporary position

Contract type

Contract type Full time

Number of positions

Number of positions 1

Full-time equivalent 100 %

City

City Stockholm

County

Country

Country Sweden

Reference number

Reference number SU FV-2161-26

Union representative

• ST/OFR ST/OFR, 08162000, [e-mail]
• Saco-S Saco-S, 08162000, [e-mail]
• Seko Seko, 0770457900, [e-mail]