Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry (Stockholm University)

Institution: Stockholm University Department: Department of Chemistry Location: Stockholm, Sweden Employment Type: Temporary (Full-time) Full-Time Equivalent: 100% Number of Positions: 1 Reference Number: SU FV-1177-26 Published: 31 March 2026 Application Deadline: 15 May 2026 Start Date: 2026-06-01 or by agreement Department Overview The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest at Stockholm University. Research spans all areas of chemistry including analytical, physical, materials, inorganic and structural, and organic chemistry. Projects range from theoretical to experimental, from basic to applied research, often focusing on sustainable chemistry as well as advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The Department has a well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment and qualified support from staff scientists. It hosts: Bachelor's degree program in Chemistry Master's programs in Analytical Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry PhD programs in Analytical, Physical, Materials, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry For more information, please visit: Department of Chemistry Project Description The project focuses on facilitating reactions of solids with fluid oxygen (“oxygenations”) at pressures up to 20 GPa (~200,000 atm) and temperatures exceeding 1000 °C using large-volume press (LVP) high-pressure methodology. Enables synthesis of new solid-state oxides with later 3d transition metals (Fe–Cu) in expanded oxidation states Provides opportunity to test theoretical predictions of elusive materials with potential magnetic and electrical properties Most experiments will be conducted at the synchrotron radiation facility PETRA III in Hamburg, Germany, using in situ diffraction to monitor oxygenation reactions at extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Main Responsibilities Develop existing methods and protocols for LVP oxygenations Perform experiments at PETRA III (~four visits per year, ~three months total per year) Analyze in situ diffraction data and lead writing of reports and publications Synthesize precursor materials using solid-state chemistry techniques Characterize structural and physical properties of new materials Collaborate with the research group, PETRA III, and department colleagues Present results at international conferences Supervise students as required Qualification Requirements PhD (Swedish or equivalent international degree) in solid-state chemistry, physical chemistry, materials sciences, or geo/earth sciences Degree must be completed by the time of employment decision Assessment Criteria Doctoral degree preferably completed within 3 years of the application deadline (older degrees considered under special circumstances: sick leave, parental leave, trade union duties, total defense service, relevant clinical attachments) Proven experience with LVP multi-anvil high-pressure techniques Proficiency in X-ray diffraction for phase identification, structure solution, and refinement of inorganic materials Experience at large-scale facilities (synchrotron/neutron) and handling data produced there Solid-state chemistry synthesis experience; familiarity with IR/Raman/UV-VIS spectroscopy, SEM, thermal analysis, magnetometry Written and oral proficiency in English Academic publishing record (appropriate to career stage) Ability to collaborate, network, and work independently Creativity, initiative, and independence Employment Terms Full-time, 2–3 years, with potential extension under special circumstances Start date: 2026-06-01 or as agreed We Offer Dynamic interaction between higher education and research International work environment with favorable conditions Campus located in the National City Park with excellent transport links Equal opportunity workplace, free from discrimination Contact Information Professor Ulrich Häussermann: ulrich.haussermann@su.se Head of Department, Professor Niklas Hedin: niklas.hedin@su.se Application Instructions Apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system Attach personal letter, CV, and required documents Applicants are responsible for completeness of application and submission before the deadline Instructions: How to apply for a position Union Representatives Saco-S: 08162000, saco@saco.su.se Seko: 0770457900, sekodirekt@seko.se ST/OFR: 08162000, st@st.su.se Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Institution: Stockholm University
Department: Department of Chemistry
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employment Type: Temporary (Full-time)
Full-Time Equivalent: 100%
Number of Positions: 1
Reference Number: SU FV-1177-26
Published: 31 March 2026
Application Deadline: 15 May 2026
Start Date: 2026-06-01 or by agreement

Department Overview

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest at Stockholm University. Research spans all areas of chemistry including analytical, physical, materials, inorganic and structural, and organic chemistry. Projects range from theoretical to experimental, from basic to applied research, often focusing on sustainable chemistry as well as advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials.

The Department has a well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment and qualified support from staff scientists. It hosts:

Bachelor's degree program in Chemistry
Master's programs in Analytical Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
PhD programs in Analytical, Physical, Materials, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry

For more information, please visit: Department of Chemistry

Project Description

The project focuses on facilitating reactions of solids with fluid oxygen (“oxygenations”) at pressures up to 20 GPa (~200,000 atm) and temperatures exceeding 1000 °C using large-volume press (LVP) high-pressure methodology.

Enables synthesis of new solid-state oxides with later 3d transition metals (Fe–Cu) in expanded oxidation states
Provides opportunity to test theoretical predictions of elusive materials with potential magnetic and electrical properties

Most experiments will be conducted at the synchrotron radiation facility PETRA III in Hamburg, Germany, using in situ diffraction to monitor oxygenation reactions at extreme pressure and temperature conditions.

Main Responsibilities

Develop existing methods and protocols for LVP oxygenations
Perform experiments at PETRA III (~four visits per year, ~three months total per year)
Analyze in situ diffraction data and lead writing of reports and publications
Synthesize precursor materials using solid-state chemistry techniques
Characterize structural and physical properties of new materials
Collaborate with the research group, PETRA III, and department colleagues
Present results at international conferences
Supervise students as required

Qualification Requirements

PhD (Swedish or equivalent international degree) in solid-state chemistry, physical chemistry, materials sciences, or geo/earth sciences
Degree must be completed by the time of employment decision

Assessment Criteria

Doctoral degree preferably completed within 3 years of the application deadline (older degrees considered under special circumstances: sick leave, parental leave, trade union duties, total defense service, relevant clinical attachments)
Proven experience with LVP multi-anvil high-pressure techniques
Proficiency in X-ray diffraction for phase identification, structure solution, and refinement of inorganic materials
Experience at large-scale facilities (synchrotron/neutron) and handling data produced there
Solid-state chemistry synthesis experience; familiarity with IR/Raman/UV-VIS spectroscopy, SEM, thermal analysis, magnetometry
Written and oral proficiency in English
Academic publishing record (appropriate to career stage)
Ability to collaborate, network, and work independently
Creativity, initiative, and independence

Employment Terms

Full-time, 2–3 years, with potential extension under special circumstances
Start date: 2026-06-01 or as agreed

We Offer

Dynamic interaction between higher education and research
International work environment with favorable conditions
Campus located in the National City Park with excellent transport links
Equal opportunity workplace, free from discrimination

Contact Information

Professor Ulrich Häussermann: ulrich.haussermann@su.se
Head of Department, Professor Niklas Hedin: niklas.hedin@su.se

Application Instructions

Apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system
Attach personal letter, CV, and required documents
Applicants are responsible for completeness of application and submission before the deadline
Instructions: How to apply for a position