PhD student in electrocatalysis for sustainable energy conversion

For more information about the position

https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/lediga-jobb/29830

Your duties

The project focuses on the development and optimization of electrocatalysts and electrolyzer systems for sustainable energy conversion. The research will address both fundamental and applied questions within electrocatalysis, including water splitting, CO₂ conversion, upgrading of biomass-based molecules, as well as other conversions of small molecules. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationships between catalyst structure, interface processes, the local reaction environment, and electrochemical performance. The project aims to translate fundamental mechanistic understanding into broadly applicable strategies for the optimization of catalysts and electrochemical systems.

For more information, see the full advertisement at the link above.

As a PhD student, you will dedicate yourself to your doctoral studies and the research project you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or participating in other departmental duties, up to 20 percent of full-time employment.

Your qualifications

You have completed a degree at an advanced level in chemistry or materials science, or have completed courses amounting to at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level in chemistry or materials science, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

A strong background in one or more of the following areas is meritorious:

More than one year of practical laboratory experience in electrochemistry or electrocatalysis, especially in water splitting, CO₂ conversion, biomass upgrading, or other catalytic reactions with small molecules. Materials chemistry, catalyst synthesis, materials characterization, or surface and interface science, including electrolyte–electrode interactions and solvation at interfaces. Experience with transition metal-based electrocatalysts is meritorious. Testing of electrolyzers, reactor design, and optimization of electrochemical systems. Operando characterization, such as XRD, Raman, FTIR/ATR-SEIRAS, XAS, and EQCM. Experience in developing correlative characterization strategies to investigate mechanistic questions is meritorious. Scientific research and publication, especially peer-reviewed publications as first author within surface and interface science, catalysis, electrochemistry, environmental technology, or related fields. Industrial research or practical experience in areas such as flue gas cleaning, energy storage systems, or energy infrastructure for electric vehicles and other vehicles with alternative drivetrains. International study, research, or industry experience, together with a documented ability to work effectively in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments. Very good ability to communicate in English. Knowledge of additional languages is meritorious. We welcome applicants from different backgrounds who are motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries in electrochemical catalysis, spectroscopy, materials science, and sustainable chemical conversion.

The position requires a good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing. The candidate must be able to work both independently and together with others in an interdisciplinary research environment. Important personal qualities are scientific curiosity, creativity, problem-solving skills, precision in experimental work, and a strong motivation to develop new methods and ideas.

Your workplace

Your workplace will be Lizhou Fan's research group at https://liu.se/organisation/liu/ifm/mdesign, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University.

For more information, see the full advertisement at the link above.

Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability

This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wisematerials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest investment in materials science in Sweden ever and includes major investments at Sweden's leading universities over a period of 12 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Graduate School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program with seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network between doctoral students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Read more: https://wise-materials.org/

About the employment

Upon commencement of employment, you will be admitted to the doctoral program. The employment is time-limited to normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years occurs based on the degree of teaching and departmental duties. For special reasons, further extension may occur. You will initially be employed for one year, and thereafter the employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan.

Commencement by agreement.

Salary and benefits

The PhD student's salary is regulated according to a locally negotiated salary scale.

Read more about benefits for employees https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner.

Union contact persons

For information about union contact persons, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande.

Application

Welcome to apply for this position no later than October 2, 2026.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives; it enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is fundamental to uphold everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work at https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/.

Welcome with your application!

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