PhD student in Inorganic 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.

Project description

Title: Metal-organic frameworks pioneered by advanced electron microscopy

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Tom Willhammar, co-supervisor: Dr. Andrew Ken Inge

Nanoporous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites provide opportunities for applications where shape-selective properties are decisive, including adsorption and catalysis. MOFs consist of metal nodes connected by organic linker molecules, forming crystalline frameworks with well-defined pore systems and versatile chemistry, as recognized by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Electron microscopy and electron diffraction offer powerful tools for advanced structural characterization. Aberration correction now enables imaging with true atomic resolution, three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) has extended the atomic structure determination into the nanoscale regime, and cryo-EM was acknowledged with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Stockholm University has a long tradition in the development of techniques for electron crystallography to achieve new structural insights.

This project focuses on the structural investigation and synthesis of MOF materials, with a focus on understanding interactions between the framework and the molecules within the pores. The guest species play a crucial role both in directing the formation of the framework, as well as in defining the material's properties. This project aims to obtain an enhanced understanding of these interactions and apply this understanding in the development of new MOF materials. Advanced characterization techniques based on transmission electron microscopy, such as 3D ED and emerging imaging techniques such as four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM), will be exploited to obtain detailed structural insights at the atomic scale.

We are looking for a curious and self-motivated candidate. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with leading international groups, hence, a successful candidate should have good collaborative skills. A background in chemistry, materials science, or related subjects is suitable. Knowledge in any of the areas of electron microscopy, crystallography, or nanoporous materials is an asset but not 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.

To meet the special entry requirements to be admitted to doctoral level education on inorganic chemistry, the applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, chemical engineering materials science or physics and has completed independent work worth at least 30 credits at advanced level. Special eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in another order within or outside Sweden.

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.

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 supervisor, Associate Professor Tom Willhammar tom.willhammar@su.se. For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Professor 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.