PhD student in phosphorus-based photoswitches

Uppsala University; Uppsala kommun; Presencial; SEK 320.000 - 420.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University is recruiting a PhD student to join the Crespi group on a Swedish Research Council project. The research focuses on phosphorus-containing indigoid chromophores and their photochemical properties.

Responsibilities include design, synthesis, purification and characterization of new compounds, plus coursework, publications and presentations.

Formación

• Very good English, oral and written.
• Practical experience in organic synthesis, purification and structural characterization.
• Ability to plan, document and interpret laboratory experiments carefully and safely.

Responsabilidades

• Design and synthesize phosphorus-containing indigoid chromophores.
• Purify and characterize products using NMR and MS.
• Investigate photochemical properties and quantum yields.
• Contribute to studies of directional molecular motion and supramolecular confinement.
• Carry out doctoral coursework, publish and present results; teaching may be included.

Conocimientos

English proficiency

Organic synthesis experience

Laboratory planning & documentation

Independent & collaborative work

Educación

Second-cycle degree in chemistry

240 credits in higher education including 60 at Master level with a 15 credit project

Equivalent knowledge recognized in Sweden or abroad

Herramientas

NMR spectroscopy

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Descripción del empleo

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 five 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

We are recruiting a PhD student to the Crespi group at the Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory for the Swedish Research Council-funded project “Hemiphosphaindigos: New Gears for Molecular Machines” (2026-04728). The project explores how phosphorus can be used to control light‑induced structural changes in organic molecules and to develop new photoswitches and molecular motors.

The PhD student will primarily design and synthesize new phosphorus‑containing indigoid chromophores, purify and characterize the products using techniques including NMR and mass spectrometry, and investigate their photochemical properties. Experiments will include UV‑Vis spectroscopy, irradiation studies, photostationary‑state analysis, quantum‑yield measurements and thermal kinetics. A central goal is to connect molecular structure and phosphorus functionalization with isomerization efficiency and stability.

In later stages, the student will contribute to studies of directional molecular motion and the effects of supramolecular confinement on photochemistry. Advanced time‑resolved spectroscopy and computational chemistry will be integrated through expertise within the group and international collaborations, with opportunities for training in complementary methods. Duties also include doctoral coursework, publication and presentation of results. Teaching may be included according to departmental arrangements.

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• have been awarded a second‑cycle degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline, 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.

The candidate must have:

• very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• practical experience of organic synthesis, purification and structural characterization from a degree project or research project, and the ability to plan, document and interpret laboratory experiments carefully and safely.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional qualifications

Experience in organophosphorus or other main‑group chemistry, photochemistry or photochromism, UV‑Vis or NMR spectroscopy, reaction kinetics or supramolecular chemistry is an advantage. Previous work with photosensitive or chiral molecules or quantum‑chemical calculations is also relevant. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all these areas.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting 1 February 2027 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.

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.

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 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

For further information about the position, please contact Stefano Crespi, [e-mail].

Employee organizations: Saco-S - [e-mail], Seko - [e-mail], ST (OFR/S) - [e-mail]