Doctoral student in organic synthesis of monomers and polymers

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in organic synthesis of monomers and polymers, based in the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. This opportunity places you at the forefront of advanced research in the design and synthesis of porous polymers, where chemistry and materials science intersect to create innovative organic functional materials. The research is inspired by the recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to the field of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), highlighting the importance of reticular chemistry—the art of linking molecular building blocks into extended, crystalline networks with designed functionality. As full-organic counterparts, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and polymers with permanent porosity are constructed from light elements (C, H, O, N, B, etc.) through strong covalent linkages, resulting in materials with exceptional chemical stability, low density, and tunable electronic properties. The Yang Group, a materials science-based research team, focuses on developing organic materials with permanent porosity, combining chemistry and engineering strategies to create porous materials with versatile built-in nanochannels for diverse applications. The doctoral project centers on the design and synthesis of organic building blocks as monomers for constructing functional polymers in one-, two-, and three-dimensional architectures. By tailoring the geometry, electronic properties, and chemical functionality of monomers, the aim is to develop 1D/2D/3D-polymers with enhanced transport properties and catalytic functionalities. Research activities span organic/medicinal chemistry, theoretical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, optical spectroscopy, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, and energy/electron transfer reactions, with applications ranging from life sciences to materials sciences. As a doctoral student, you will develop your own scientific concepts, synthesize organic small molecules and polymers, and communicate your research results both verbally and in writing. The position includes teaching duties at the undergraduate level or other responsibilities corresponding to 20% of working hours. The contract is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to extend to five years if teaching is included. The starting salary is 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025), and you will enjoy all employee benefits as a Chalmers employee. Physical presence throughout the study period is required, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the start date. Eligibility requires a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in organic chemistry or a related field. For students educated outside Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and experience in organic/polymer synthesis are essential. Chalmers offers a dynamic and inspiring working environment in Gothenburg, with generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. The university is committed to gender balance and equality, with initiatives such as the GENIE project. Swedish language courses are available for non-native speakers. Applications must be submitted in English and attached as PDF files (CV, personal letter, introduction, motivation, thesis, transcripts). Use the online application form via the provided link. Incomplete or emailed applications will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. The application deadline is 5 March, 2026. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Yizhou Yang ([email protected]), HR Partner Moa Ellbrant ([email protected]), or Professor Marcus Wilhelmsson ([email protected]).