PhD Position in Natural Science with specialization in Chemistry

Ref PAR 2021/317

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.

The Division of Atmospheric Science within the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology takes fundamental molecular approaches to quantifying transport and reaction processes in the atmosphere. A unifying research theme is the study of atmospheric aerosol, and the research activities range from theoretical studies of chemical reactions and particle phase transitions, to applied work including field studies of fundamental atmospheric processes. The research themes are united by their importance to key issues of environmental importance, including climate and air quality. 

Find more information on the research and group leader here:

https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/erikthomson

Job assignments

Molecular-level Drivers of Clouds and Climate

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg is seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join a dynamic research group within the department’s Division of Atmospheric Sciences. The PhD position, which is funded by resources from the Swedish Research Council VR, will have a research focus on developing molecular-level understanding of key processes that occur at or on atmospheric surfaces. Specific areas of focus will include the role(s) of surfaces in ice nucleation, how surface phase-state affects process like water uptake and linking surface and bulk properties.

The project will be a mix of laboratory and theoretically based activities, and utilize experimental techniques like an Environmental Molecular Beam, Ice Nucleation Chambers, and synchrotron-based spectroscopy. Students with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, and quantitative geosciences are encouraged to apply.  Previous experience with Python, MatLab, LabView and/or other data analysis and instrument I/O packages is advantageous, as is any experience with high vacuum systems.

Eligibility

To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements: A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification,
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education

The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).

Assessment

We seek a talented and dedicated doctoral student eager to pursue a career in physical chemistry with an interest in environmental phenomena. You should be open-minded, keen to learn and have a genuine interest in science. The ideal candidate has broad knowledge within chemistry and physics with courses in physical chemistry, materials science, and environmental science in their past curriculum. We welcome applicants with documented laboratory and/or synchrotron facility experience. You should be able to work independently and in a group, and communicate well in English.  A maximum 2-page Statement of Research detailing past, present, and future research interests, including any notable research accomplishments should be included with the application materials.

The following criteria will be applied in selecting among applicants:

- Qualifications from basic education.
- Qualifications from advanced education
- Special qualifications.
- The relevance of previous studies or work for the planned postgraduate studies.
- The applicant's ability to work in a research group.
- Assessment of the applicant's ability to benefit from research studies.

Employment

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, four years full time

Extent: 100 %

Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg

First day of employment: August 23 or as soon as possible based on mutual agreement

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1993:100.

A new employment as a PhD student applies for a maximum of one year. The Appointment may be prolonged for up to two years at a time. The total employment period may not be longer than the equivalent of four years of fulltime doctoral studies.

Sweden is noted for its family friendly policies that encourage a healthy work life balance.

The university applies local agreements on salaries of graduate students.

For further information regarding the position

Erik S. Thomson (huvudhandledare) – erik.thomson@gu.se

Xiangrui Kong (biträdande handledare) -- xiangrui.kong@chem.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. 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.

You must include the following, in PDF format

• Personal letter of introduction
• Statement of Research (maximum 2 A4 pages, 11pt font size)
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
• Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies English 6 is equivalent to:
• IELTS academic score of 6.5.
• Paper-based TOEFL iBT: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) on written test, total score of 575.
• Internet-based TOEFL iBT: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) on written test, total score of 90.
• Two references (name, e-mail, telephone number, relationship with applicant)

• If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, check what you need to submit at https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/apply-to-masters/provide-application-documents-masters/required-documents/https://www.antagning.se/sv/Hur-du-anmaler-dig-och-haller-koll/magister-och-master/for-dig-med-utlandsk-kandidatexamen/dokument-fran-ditt-utbildningsland/  where you can also see what you need to submit in order to fulfill the English language requirement.

  If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.

  Closing date: 2021-04-16

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.