PhD student in Inorganic Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is, with about 200 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, Organic and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Research activities in the department focus primarily on materials, including different classes such as ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials, and soft matter. The projects often encompass synthesis, and characterization by X-ray, neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, electron crystallography, solid-state NMR, and computer modelling of materials with a 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. For futher information, please visit us at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and at the Department of Organic Chemistry.

The new Department of Chemistry was formed on 1st January 2025 by merging the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry.

Project description

Project title: Developing Nano-Crystalline Sponge Methods by Combining Metal-Organic Frameworks and 3D Electron Diffraction. 

Project leaders (PI): Prof. Xiaodong Zou (main supervisor), Dr. A. Ken Inge (co-supervisor).  

Structural analysis is crucial for discovering novel compounds and materials. While X-ray diffraction remains the gold standard for determining 3D atomic structures, it requires large single crystals. In 2013, Fujita’s group pioneered the crystalline sponge method, which combines metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with single-crystal X-ray diffraction to determine the 3D structure of molecules that are difficult to crystallize. However, the method’s reliance on large, high-quality MOF crystals limits the range of suitable candidates for crystalline sponges.

The PhD project aims to expand the crystalline sponge method to nano-crystalline sponges using 3D electron diffraction (3D ED) for structural analysis. The project includes

• Designing and synthesizing various MOFs with diverse pore structures and functionalities.
• Developing high-throughput crystal screening strategies to identify potential crystalline sponges for different types of molecules.
• Establishing a comprehensive workflow for high-throughput, high-quality 3D structural analysis of organic molecules by combining nano-crystalline sponge and 3D ED.
• Exploring the applications of nano-crystalline sponge methods.

The PhD project is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW). More information about the project and Prof. Zou can be found at KAW project page and Prof. Zou’s homepage.

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 creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English.

The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, proactive, and capable of taking initiative. Strong collaborative and communication skill are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively as part of a team. The applicant should have excellent proficiency in written and spoken English. Experience in MOF synthesis, crystallography and/or transmission electron microscopy is highly desirable.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

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 the PI Xiaodong Zou, xiaodong.zou@mmk.su.se. For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Professor Niklas Hedin, 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.