Uppsala University is a research-intensive university with a strong international standing.
Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important asset is all the individuals whose curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of Sweden's most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees, and a turnover of approximately 8 billion Swedish kronor.
Research at the Department of Physics and Astronomy covers a broad spectrum of physics disciplines, distributed across ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström Laboratory and has nearly 400 employees, of which 125 are doctoral students. It offers a comprehensive physics program for undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading research projects, opportunities for industry collaboration, and various outreach activities. More information is available on our website https://www.uu.se/institution/fysik-och-astronomi.
Research Area
The research will be conducted at the Division of Chemical and Biomolecular Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, focusing on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at atomic length and time scales in angstroms and femtoseconds. The program holds a leading position in using X-ray radiation to investigate atoms, molecules, and chemical and biomolecular systems. We develop and apply new X-ray methods and instrumentation, aiming to reveal how a system's properties result from its electronic structure and dynamics, with applications in environmental, biophysical, and chemical systems.
The doctoral student will develop new ultrafast THz/X-ray spectroscopic techniques and apply them to homogeneous transition metal catalysts relevant to light absorption and bond activation. The doctoral position is established in collaboration with the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (EuXFEL) in Schenefeld, Germany, where parts of the doctoral work will be conducted.
Job Responsibilities
The doctoral student will be responsible for developing new spectroscopy infrastructure at EuXFEL and at the HELIOS laser laboratory at Uppsala University. The goal is to combine short pulses from the THz, optical, and X-ray regions to enable THz-based Stark measurements of homogeneous transition metal catalysts. The doctoral student will design, conduct, and analyze experiments aimed at understanding how charge distribution in transition metal complexes affects their reactivity towards specific molecular transformations. The doctoral student will also be responsible for writing scientific manuscripts, presenting research results at internal meetings and international conferences, and actively participating in collaborations with other experimental and theoretical groups.
Qualifications
Eligible for doctoral education is an individual who has:
- Obtained a master's degree in physics, chemistry (or a related field), or
- Completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at an advanced level, including an independent thesis of at least 15 credits, or otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
- Possess the personal qualities required to fully perform the tasks included in the position.
Excellent oral and written English skills are required. For employment as a doctoral student, the candidate must be admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education, where the candidate's ability to successfully complete the doctoral education will be decisive.
Desirable/Meritorious Qualifications
Excellent knowledge of molecular physics and spectroscopy is meritorious, as is previous practical experience in molecular (laser) spectroscopy. Experience in analyzing large datasets and quantum chemical simulations is an advantage but not necessarily a requirement.
Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, §§ 1-7, and at https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler.
About the Position
The position is time-limited, according to HF Chapter 5, § 7. Full-time employment. Commencement: 01-01-2026 or by agreement. Duty station: Uppsala
Information about the position can be obtained from: Dr. Raphael Jay,
[email protected], phone +46 76-022 67 04
In this recruitment, we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you will answer as part of your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.
Welcome with your application no later than November 28, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3433.
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of