Doctoral studentship in chemistry with focus on organic chemistry

Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you'll meet 2 200 staff members and 40 000 students, all united in following the vision to set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development. With us, research and education are conducted with an eye towards the future. Our proximity to the business world, both locally and globally, gives us a wide reach and the ability to create change that makes an impact. All that's needed is a place where ideas have the space to meet and grow. That's what we've created – and you are invited.

Change starts here!

The position is at the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Science, one of five departments within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Our department plays a pivotal role in shaping BSc programs in biology, biomedical analysis, health science, nutrition and food science, pharmacy, and teacher education, as well as the MSc program in chemistry. Our research spans chemistry and biomedical sciences, with a particular emphasis on organic chemistry, covering bioorganic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, green chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and their applications in various fields such as biotechnology, chemical catalysis, and medicinal chemistry. Since 1999, we've been offering PhD training in Chemistry, fostering collaborations both nationally and internationally, with partners from academia and industry.

Subject area for the position: Chemistry, with focus on organic chemistry
Location until further notice: Kalmar, work at campus Växjö may be required.
Term and hours: The doctoral studentship is limited in time in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 5, Section 7). The studentship is full-time.
Starting date: No later than 01.01.2025. 

Job description
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, at Linnaeus University, seeks a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate in chemistry with focus on organic chemistry to join the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Science. The work will focus on the design of new sustainable methodologies for organic synthesis. The PhD candidate will be tasked to do research on the potential use of safe and sustainable solvents in homogeneous catalysis with a special focus on organocatalytic transformations. The research will include, among other things, preparation of new phosphine ligands, their characterization, and evaluation of the activity of prepared ligands on catalytic transformations of industrial importance. The PhD candidate will become a member of an enthusiastic interdisciplinary research team, which combines experimental and computational tools in the development of novel catalysts and sustainable methodologies. The candidate can expect involvement in the supervision of Bachelor and Master students and may participate in teaching at the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Science.

The Higher Education Ordinance states that anyone who is employed as a doctoral student shall primarily devote themselves to their own studies, although they may, to a limited extent, also work with education, research, and administration. Before a doctorate has been awarded, such work may not exceed 20% of full-time work.

Eligibility
According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 7, Section 35), in order to be admitted to third-cycle education, the applicant must:

1. Meet the general entry requirements as well as any specific entry requirements set up by the relevant higher education institution.
2. Be considered to have the abilities required to benefit from the education they are given.

A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if he or she:

• Has been awarded a degree at the second-cycle level.
• Has at least 240 credits of passed courses, of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level; or
• Has acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way, in or outside Sweden.

Other requirements include:

• Solid background in organic synthesis.
• Ability to document experience in handling air and moisture-sensitive reactions and reagents.
• Prior experience with phosphine ligands and homogeneous catalysis is beneficial.
• Prior knowledge of organometallic chemistry is an advantage.
• Good practical knowledge of standard analytical methods such as NMR, MS, HPLC, or similar, and standard purification methods.
• The successful candidate must have excellence in previous work and a good track record.
• Independence and ability to solve challenging chemical problems are essential.
• Excellent work ethic and commitment to the job.
• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal. Interest in Swedish language and culture is welcome.

During the assessment, emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s motivation, potential for research, and personal suitability for the position.

Assessment criteria
In addition to meeting the position requirements, the ability to collaborate well with others and general suitability for the relevant tasks are assessment criteria. When the University appoints new PhD candidates, the appointment shall be based upon a qualitative overall assessment of the ability to best carry out and develop work tasks, and to contribute to the successful development of the University.

Your application must include:

• Motivation letter.
• CV (complete overview of education, professional training, and work skills).
• List of publications and other academic activities with a description of personal contribution.
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts (all degrees).
• Academic works considered the most important, which shall be the main emphasis of the initial assessment.
• MSc thesis/project or equivalent.
• Career development plan (max. two pages).
• Three references.
• Letters of recommendation may be submitted in addition to the above documents.

Contacts
Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences: Anna Asplund Persson (anna.asplund@lnu.se)
Head of Research: Ashot Gevorgyan (ashot.gevorgyan@lnu.se)
Human Resources Consultant: Stina Andersson (stina.andersson@lnu.se)

Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the Apply button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 23.59 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.