Fully Funded PhD Position in Sustainable Plasmon-Driven Photocatalysis and Green Chemistry at Uppsala University Uppsala University in Sweden

Uppsala University is offering a fully funded PhD position in sustainable plasmon-driven photocatalysis, located at the Ångström Laboratory. The research focuses on developing advanced plasmonic platforms for photoredox and proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, with the aim of driving sustainable chemical transformations and green synthetic methodologies. The project integrates photoredox catalysis, photoelectrochemistry, and ultrafast laser spectroscopy to investigate and control charge transfer, hydrogen bonding, and energy transfer mechanisms at interfaces. By combining molecularly engineered photoelectrodes with advanced spectroscopic and computational modeling techniques, the research seeks to establish design principles for next-generation catalytic systems that replace rare-metal catalysts and enhance reaction selectivity and efficiency.

As a PhD student, you will design, fabricate, and functionalize plasmonic photoelectrodes, conduct spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization (including UV-Vis, Raman, XPS, transient absorption, photoluminescence, and electrochemical analysis), and investigate reaction kinetics and hydrogen-bonding effects in multi-site PCET reactions. You will analyze reaction products using NMR, Raman spectroscopy, and HPLC/GC-MS, and collaborate on DFT modeling of bond dissociation free energies and charge transfer energetics. The position involves close collaboration with project partners at Uppsala University, Gothenburg University, and Sorbonne University, providing an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, with at least 240 credits in higher education and 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project. Experience in photocatalysis, electrochemistry, materials synthesis, and analytical methods is required, along with strong motivation for interdisciplinary research, interest in sustainability, and excellent English communication skills. Merits include experience with plasmonic or photoredox systems, time-resolved spectroscopy, and surface analysis techniques.

The position is fully funded, with individual salary and no tuition fees. Employment is full-time and temporary, starting 1 February 2026 or as agreed, and governed by the Higher Education Ordinance. The application deadline is 29 December 2025. For more information, contact Prof. Jacinto Sá at [email protected]. Apply through Uppsala University's recruitment system using the official job posting link.

Keywords: photoredox catalysis, plasmon-driven catalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, green chemistry, proton-coupled electron transfer, spectroscopy, materials science, sustainable catalysis, chemical engineering.