Department: Department of Chemistry
Institution: Stockholm University
Employment Type: Temporary Position
Contract Type: Full Time
Salary: Fixed Salary
Number of Positions: 1
Full-time Equivalent: 100%
Location: Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden
Reference Number: SU FV-2155-26
Published: 24 June 2026
Application Deadline: 9 August 2026

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University.

Research spans all areas of chemistry, including:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Inorganic and Structural Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Research projects range from theoretical to experimental studies, from fundamental research to applied research, often focusing on sustainable chemistry and advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials.

The department has a well-developed research infrastructure featuring state-of-the-art equipment supported by experienced staff scientists.

The department also offers:

• Bachelor's programme in Chemistry.
• Master's programmes in:
  • Analytical Chemistry.
  • Sustainable Chemistry.
  • Organic Chemistry.

Doctoral education is available in:

• Analytical Chemistry.
• Physical Chemistry.
• Materials Chemistry.
• Inorganic Chemistry.
• Organic Chemistry.

Project Description

Chemical Recycling of Plastics

Supervisor: Assistant Professor Kostas Parkatzidis

A PhD position is available in the research group of Assistant Professor Kostas Parkatzidis at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University.

The project focuses on the development of new materials and catalytic strategies for the chemical recycling of plastics.

The successful candidate will work on:

• Synthesis and characterization of polymer-based and carbon-based materials.
• Development of catalysts.
• Application of these materials to plastic depolymerization.
• Sustainable chemical transformations.

The research aims to develop low-energy, efficient methods for converting plastic waste into valuable chemicals.

The project is interdisciplinary, combining:

• Polymer Chemistry.
• Materials Science.
• Catalysis.

The broader objective is to contribute to sustainable solutions for plastic waste by designing materials that enable more efficient recycling processes while reducing the environmental footprint of chemical production.

The successful applicant will join a newly established research group in sustainable polymer chemistry and actively contribute to the development of the group.

Main Tasks

The doctoral student will:

• Synthesize and characterize polymeric and carbon-based materials.
• Investigate catalytic activity using model molecules to develop a fundamental understanding of the systems.
• Apply these findings to the catalytic recycling of plastics.

Preferred Background

Applicants with backgrounds in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Polymer Chemistry.
• Polymer Science.
• Chemistry.
• Chemical Recycling of Polymers.
• Catalysis.
• Carbon Materials.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must satisfy both the general and specific entry requirements for postgraduate education.

The qualification requirements must be fulfilled by the application deadline.

General Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A second-cycle degree; or
• Completed at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at the second-cycle level; or
• Equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific Entry Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies in Materials Chemistry, applicants must have:

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in:
  • Chemistry.
  • Chemical Engineering.
  • Materials Science.
  • Physics.

and

• Completed an independent research project comprising at least 30 higher education credits at the advanced level.

Equivalent qualifications obtained within or outside Sweden are also accepted.

Selection Criteria

Selection among eligible applicants will be based on their capacity to benefit from doctoral education.

Assessment will consider:

• Documented knowledge in a relevant research field.
• Analytical and creative thinking.
• Initiative.
• Independence.
• Ability to collaborate.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English.

Selection follows the Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the Employment

The position is offered as a fixed-term doctoral studentship according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).

Key employment conditions include:

• Employment corresponding to four years of full-time doctoral education.
• Doctoral students are expected to devote the majority of their time to doctoral studies.
• The position may include teaching, research or administrative duties of up to 20%, with the employment period extended accordingly.

Initial appointments are made for a maximum of one year, after which employment may be renewed for periods of up to two years.

Stockholm University strives to provide a workplace free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For further information, please contact:

Assistant Professor Kostas Parkatzidis
Email: kostas.parkatzidis@su.se

Application

Applications must be submitted through Stockholm University's recruitment system.

Applicants should submit:

• Personal letter.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• All additional documents requested in the application form.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and submitted before the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants are available under "How to apply for a position."

Union Representatives

• ST/OFR
  Tel: 08162000
  Email: st@st.su.se
• Saco-S
  Tel: 08162000
  Email: saco@saco.su.se
• Seko
  Tel: 0770457900
  Email: sekodirekt@seko.se

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com