Doctoral student position in Natural Sciences, specialising in Chemistry
The University of Gothenburg invites applications for a doctoral student position in Natural Sciences, specialising in Chemistry, within the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. The department is renowned for its high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences, with a strong focus on understanding chemical and biological processes in cells and the environment. The research environment is highly international and interdisciplinary, contributing to the university’s top ranking in life sciences.
This PhD project will be conducted in the research group led by Professor Karl Börjesson, which studies the fundamentals of photophysical systems and develops new concepts in photophysical chemistry. The group’s expertise spans the synthesis of complex organic molecules and the photophysical/electrical characterization of molecular-based systems. The project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), aims to couple excitons and photons to create hybrid states, advancing our understanding of their formation and properties. The research will focus on ensembles of organic molecules to build materials for future applications, with a particular emphasis on hybrid light-matter states and their technological incorporation.
As a doctoral student, you will become an expert in molecular photophysics using organic dyes, working in the UV/Vis regime of the electromagnetic spectrum. You will probe absorption and emission events across timescales from femtoseconds to microseconds, model photophysical processes using rate equations, and simulate systems from a classical electromagnetism perspective using the transfer matrix model. The research group consists of about 10 researchers, offering a collaborative yet independent work environment.
The position is a four-year, full-time employment as a doctoral student, with salary set individually according to local agreements. Departmental duties, such as teaching or administration, may comprise up to 20% of employment and extend the study period accordingly. Physical presence in Gothenburg is required for the duration of the doctoral studies.
Eligibility requires a second-cycle (Master’s) degree in Chemistry or Physics, or equivalent qualifications. Applicants should have broad knowledge in chemistry and physics, with coursework in physical chemistry, optical spectroscopy, and materials chemistry. Practical experience in optical spectroscopy and scripting (Matlab or Python) is highly desirable. A good command of spoken and written English is mandatory, with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (or equivalent). Selection is based on academic excellence, interview performance, and ability to work in a research group.
Application documents must include a CV, thesis or equivalent independent work, proof of advanced degree, TOEFL certificate, and two references. All documents should be in English or Swedish and submitted in PDF format. Applications must be received by April 29, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Karl Börjesson at [email protected].
International applicants are encouraged to explore resources about living and working in Gothenburg. The University of Gothenburg values diversity and equal conditions in its working environment. For more details on doctoral studies and the application process, visit the university’s doctoral student pages and recruitment portal.
