Two doctoral positions in chemistry with a focus on organic chemistry

The Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences conducts research and education in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. At the department, over 100 people work, including approximately 45 doctoral students. 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, and medicine as well as SciLifeLab and provides access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. The international environment and the good opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations provide the department's doctoral students with the opportunity 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 on our website.

Project description

The doctoral student will participate in an innovative research project involving supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition, catalysis, as well as chemistry for heavier elements in the main groups. The project aims to develop and discover new strategies for selective synthesis. Central analytical techniques that will be used include, among others, advanced multinuclear NMR spectroscopy as well as other advanced methods to study molecular structure and molecular interactions.

Tasks

The doctoral student's main task is to engage in doctoral education, which includes participation in research projects and courses within education at the doctoral level. The tasks may also include teaching and other department-wide tasks, corresponding to at most 20 percent of a full-time employment.

Read more about being a doctoral student here.

Qualification requirements

• For eligibility for education at the doctoral level, a basic university education of at least 240 higher education credits is required, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level and an independent work of at least 15 higher education credits, or otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. More information about the general eligibility requirements can be found here.
• Special eligibility for education at the doctoral level in organic chemistry is held by those who have passed courses of at least 90 higher education credits (or equivalent) in subjects relevant to the specialization. At least 40 higher education credits must be in organic chemistry at an advanced level. More information about the subject-specific eligibility requirements can be found here.
• Great importance is also placed on personal qualities such as good ability to cooperate, motivation, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and competence are assessed to provide the conditions to acquire and develop within the doctoral education.
• Good ability to communicate in English, including the ability to clearly convey research results orally and in writing, is a requirement.

Merit

The selection is based on the applicant's educational background (education at undergraduate and advanced levels, with special emphasis on the latter), relevant practical skills and communication skills, as well as additional experiences of significance for successfully conducting the doctoral education and the project.

Experience in experimental organic synthesis, development or investigation of catalytic processes, or studies of non-covalent interactions is meritorious. Knowledge of analytical and characterization techniques such as NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, as well as chromatographic methods for purification and analysis is also meritorious.

Relevant experience, knowledge, and skills must be clearly documented in the application and can be substantiated through content and results from courses, degree projects, research internships, and employments, as well as reports, including any publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Doctoral students normally participate in some teaching at undergraduate and advanced levels. Previous experience in teaching or supervision, even outside of school and university, as well as other outreach activities, can therefore be meritorious.

Provisions regarding doctoral students are found in Chapter 5, Sections 1–7 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment according to Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance. Extent: 100 %. Commencement January 14, 2027, or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

For further information about the employment, contact: (e-mail: andrew.docker@kemi.uu.se)

Welcome with your application no later than October 20, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2895.

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 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country'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 employment may be subject to security screening. In the case of security screening, it is a prerequisite for employment that the applicant is approved.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se