PhD and Postdoc Openings in Time-Resolved Soft X-ray Spectroelectrochemistry and Synchrotron Instrumentation Development at Uppsala University Uppsala University in Sweden

Uppsala University is advertising one PhD position and one postdoc position in the Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, within the Physical Chemistry group led by Luca D’Amario. The research sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, electrochemistry, soft X-ray spectroscopy, synchrotron applications, and instrument development.

PhD project: Time-resolved Soft X-ray spectroelectrochemistry. The doctoral project aims to develop a new time-resolved operando soft X-ray method for mechanistic studies of electrocatalysis. The work includes conceptual and practical method development, building and optimizing measurement setups and electrochemical cells compatible with synchrotron-based spectroscopy, synthesis and characterization of electrocatalytic materials, electrochemical and spectroscopic experiments, and data analysis. The student will also participate in measurement campaigns at synchrotron facilities and publish and present results internationally.

Postdoc project: Instrumentation development for synchrotron applications. This project focuses on developing a fast X-ray light modulator for nanosecond time-resolved measurements at facilities such as MAX IV Laboratory and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. The work is more device-oriented and broader than electrocatalysis, with emphasis on X-ray optics, high-frequency light modulation, spectroscopy methods, and hands-on experimental technique development. The project is funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and is carried out in collaboration with Sectris AB.

Eligibility highlights: The PhD applicant should have an advanced degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, or equivalent, strong English, laboratory experience, and interest in instrument development and data analysis. The postdoc applicant should have a PhD in a relevant field, at least two years of hands-on experimental technique development, and preferably experience with X-ray techniques or synchrotron radiation. For both positions, applicants must indicate if and how AI has been used in the application.

Application deadline: 2026-05-29. Applications are submitted through Uppsala University’s recruitment system. If AI is used in the application, the cover letter heading must include “-1” after the application number.