Postdoctoral Fellow in Organic Chemistry

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.

More information about us, please visit: Department of Chemistry.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). 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.

Project description

Project title: Heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable organic synthesis.

Supervision: Assistant Professor Miguel Rivero-Crespo.

A Postdoctoral employment is offered in the group of Assistant Professor Miguel Rivero-Crespo at Stockholm University. You will work on the synthesis of porous materials (Metal Organic Frameworks) that will be tailored with catalytically active sites of different nature and used as heterogeneous catalysts for organic reactions. This project is highly interdisciplinary combining organic chemistry, materials science and catalysis. Sustainability will be one of the main pillars of the project. In that context, the main goal is to develop sustainable chemical processes by synthesizing more efficient heterogeneous catalysts and minimizing byproduct formation, in turn reducing the environmental impact of the production of chemicals. Moreover, the sustainability of the new process will be assessed by different metrics.

Main responsibilities

The main tasks include:

1. Synthesis and characterization of heterogenous catalysts based on porous materials.
2. Study of their catalytic activity in organic reactions.
3. In-situ and/or operando investigations.
4. Comparison with benchmark homogeneous systems.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE 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.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills, such as: 

• Synthesis and characterization of porous materials (MOFs, COFs, zeolites, etc.).
• Knowledge in catalysis, in particular heterogeneous catalysis.
• Experience in organic, inorganic and/or materials chemistry.

The following criteria will also be used to assess the eligible applicants: the documented knowledge of the applicant in the relevant field of research (see research field above), written and oral proficiency in English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the applicant's written motivation for seeking the position.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2026-03-01 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the Assistant Professor Miguel Rivero-Crespo, miguel.crespo@su.se.

For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Professor Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@su.se.

Application

Apply for the 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.