PhD student in Sustainable organic bioelectronics

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. The Research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry and organic chemistry. The research projects are many from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The department also hosts the Bachelor's degree programme in chemistry and three Master's programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry.

Research activities in the area of bioelectronics focus on advanced materials, fabrication methods, and their application to advance state-of-the-art bioelectronic devices. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE) . WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School, https://wise-materials.org/research-school, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Project description

Project title: Organic semiconductor–insulator blends for scalable mixed ionic/electronic conductors

Supervisors: Assist. Prof. Erica Zeglio (main supervisor); Prof. Mahiar Max Hamedi (co-supervisor)

Organic semiconductors have the potential to increase device sustainability in bioelectronic applications such as short-term disposable sensors for diagnostics, environmental and food monitoring. However, the adoption of organic electronics relies on the discovery of materials combining high performance with easy scale-up production at low costs. This project explores blends with majority-content insulating polymers to increase the sustainability and impact of organic semiconductors for bioelectronics. The work is highly interdisciplinary, including materials development, characterization, and evaluation as core components in electrochemical transistors. It will address several research challenges, from understanding the complex interplay between materials chemistry and the microstructure of the films to evaluate their performance and stability in electrochemical devices.

The ideal applicant is proactive and equipped with a problem-solving mindset, as well as the ambition to conduct interdisciplinary research within the broad breadth of material chemistry, electrochemistry, and device physics. Candidates with experience in materials chemistry, soft condensed matter, and polymer science are encouraged to apply. The applicant should have good knowledge of English, both oral and written.

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 English.

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 PI Erica Zeglio, erica.zeglio@su.se. For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@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.