PhD Students in Chemistry

Stockholm University

Sweden

About the Department of 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, including:

Analytical chemistry
Physical chemistry
Materials chemistry
Inorganic and structural chemistry
Organic chemistry

Research projects range from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects, often focusing on sustainable chemistry as well as advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials. The department has a well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment and 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
Organic chemistry

PhD programmes are conducted in five areas:

Analytical chemistry
Physical chemistry
Materials chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Organic chemistry

More information:
Department of Chemistry

Project Description

Title: Metal-organic frameworks pioneered by advanced electron microscopy

Supervisor: Associate Professor 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 provide powerful tools for advanced structural characterization. Aberration correction enables imaging with true atomic resolution, three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) extends atomic structure determination into the nanoscale regime, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was recognized with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Stockholm University has a long tradition in developing techniques for electron crystallography to achieve new structural insights.

This project focuses on the structural investigation and synthesis of MOF materials, with emphasis on understanding interactions between the framework and molecules within the pores. Guest species play a crucial role both in directing framework formation and in defining material properties. The project aims to enhance understanding of these interactions and apply this knowledge to develop new MOF materials.

Advanced characterization techniques based on transmission electron microscopy, such as 3D ED and emerging imaging methods including four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM), will be used to obtain detailed atomic-scale structural insights.

We are looking for a curious and self-motivated candidate. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with leading international research groups; therefore, good collaborative skills are essential. A background in chemistry, materials science, or related subjects is suitable. Knowledge of electron microscopy, crystallography, or nanoporous materials is an advantage but not required.

Qualification Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements. These requirements must be fulfilled by the application deadline.

General Entry Requirements

Applicants meet the general entry requirements if they have:

Completed a second-cycle degree, or
Completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or
Acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere

Specific Entry Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral education in inorganic chemistry, the applicant must have:

A bachelor’s degree with a major in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or physics, and
Completed independent work worth at least 30 credits at advanced level

Special eligibility is also granted to applicants who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge through other means in Sweden or abroad.

Selection

Selection among eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the doctoral training. The following criteria will be assessed:

Documented knowledge in a relevant research field
Capacity for analytical and creative thinking
Initiative
Independence
Ability to collaborate
Written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English

Selection is conducted in accordance with the Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the Employment

The position is a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). Employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education.

Doctoral students are expected to devote primarily their time to doctoral education. The position may include teaching, research, and administrative duties to a limited extent (maximum 20%).

Initial employment is for a maximum of one year and may be renewed for up to two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For further information about the project, please contact:

Associate Professor Tom Willhammar
Email: tom.willhammar@su.se

For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact:

Professor Niklas Hedin
Head of Department
Email: niklas.hedin@su.se

Application

Apply for the PhD student position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system.

Applicants must submit:

A personal letter
Curriculum Vitae
Additional attachments as requested in the application form

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete and submitted in accordance with the instructions and before the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants are available at:
How to apply for a position