Doctoral Student

Doctoral Student in Catalytic Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) Based on Macrocyclic Cores This position offers an opportunity to take part in advanced research on the design and synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). You will work in a dynamic academic environment where chemistry and materials science meet to explore new functional materials with potential for future applications in catalysis and molecular design. The recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2025) awarded to the field of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has highlighted the value of reticular chemistry, the art of linking molecular building blocks into extended, crystalline networks with designed functionality. As another important member in this field, COFs are constructed from light elements (C, H, O, N, B, etc.) through strong covalent linkages, leading to materials with exceptional chemical stability, low density, and tunable electronic properties. This doctoral student position will make you part of this interesting research field. About us The Yang Group is a materials science-based research team in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, which has established academic strengths in the field of fundamental and applied research within chemistry and chemical engineering. The research activities will be conducted in the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where we pursue high-standard scientific research in organic/medicinal chemistry, theoretical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, optical spectroscopy, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry and energy/electron transfer reactions. The span of potential applications is extremely wide: from life sciences to materials sciences. The research in Yang group focuses on framework materials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs). By combining chemistry and engineering strategies, we develop functional frameworks with versatile built-in nanochannels for various applications. About the research project This project will focus on the design and synthesis of novel macrocyclic cores and their use as building blocks for constructing functional COFs. By carefully tailoring the geometry, electronic properties, and chemical functionality of these macrocycles, the project aims to develop COFs with precise pore architectures, enhanced stability, and optimized performance for transport and catalytic applications. Who we are looking for • Strong interest in scientific research • Master's degree (120 credits) or Master's degree (60 credits)* in organic chemistry or similar. For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted • Good communication skills • Good written and spoken English What you will do • Pursue doctoral studies by developing your concept about framework materials, skills for materials synthesis and characterizations, and ability to produce new knowledge in your expertise • Teach at Chalmers' undergraduate level • Synthesize macrocyclic building blocks and use them to construct framework materials • Participate in academic communication, including workshops, conferences, and publication in scientific journals Contract terms • Fully funded doctoral student position from the start • Four-year fixed-term appointment, with possibility to teach up to 20%, extending the position to five years • Starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025) • Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise, admission may be withdrawn What we offer • Employee status with full benefits at Chalmers • Dynamic and inspiring working environment in Gothenburg • Generous parental leave, subsidized daycare, free schools, healthcare • Commitment to gender balance and equality initiatives • Swedish language courses for non-native speakers Application procedure Submit application in English as PDF files: • CV • Personal letter - Brief introduction about yourself - Motivation for interest in the position • Bachelor's and master's thesis (if available) with transcripts Application deadline: 10 December, 2025 Contact Information Assistant Professor Yizhou Yang Email: [email protected] Phone: +46 76 327 7384 HR Partner Jenny Hörlyk Email: [email protected] Phone: +46 31 772 6974 Professor Marcus Wilhelmsson Email: [email protected] Phone: +46 31 772 3051 Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. With 3,100 employees and 10,000 students, Chalmers offers education in engineering, science, shipping, and architecture. Promoting knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world, the university fo