PhD student in Lignin-based living Materials Chemistry

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in general, physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. Our research activities focus primarily on materials, and include different classes such as ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials, and soft matter with potential for various applications.

Research activities in the area of Analytical Chemistry focus on developing advanced analytical techniques for studies of organic compounds and biomolecules. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry.

Starting January 2025 the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry will merge in to the Department of Chemistry. It will then be one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University with about 200 employees.

Subject area 

Living hybrid materials with natural polymers are dynamic systems that combine biological components with renewable, biodegradable polymers. These composite materials are functional, responding to stimuli, self-healing, and adapting over time, offering potential for applications in biotechnology and environmental science. Within this area, we aim to pioneer the use of lignin as a functional component of living hybrid materials. The LignoLife project is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) as part of the Wallenberg Academy Fellows 2023 program. The thesis work will be carried out within this highly interdisciplinary project, situated at the intersection of materials chemistry, biotechnology, and applied microbiology.

Supervisors: Assist. Prof. Mika Sipponen (main supervisor); Prof. Nicole Pamme (co-supervisor). The ideal candidate is proactive and possesses a problem-solving mindset. Applicants with a solid foundation in materials chemistry, along with demonstrated experience in biological materials or biotechnology, are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.

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.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of chemistry.

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 creativ thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the post

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 Head of the Department Professor Niklas Hedin, phone: +46 8 16 24 17, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

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.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!