The research program in Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, focuses on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at the atomic length and time scales of Ångströms and femtoseconds. The program has a leading position in the use of X-ray radiation for probing atoms, molecules, chemical systems and biomolecules. The research addresses fundamental questions in chemistry, biology and physics with the aim to reveal how the properties of a system result from its electronic structure and dynamics with applications in biophysics, chemistry and catalysis.
The position is placed in the group of Prof. Philippe Wernet. Research will be carried out using experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities and x-ray free-electron lasers combined with femtosecond laser spectroscopy at Uppsala University.
This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.
Read more: WISE
All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.
Read more here about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
Duties
- Perform research on the photochemistry of metal complexes, catalysts or molecular systems in solution with time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and scattering
- Help to extend current capabilities for X-ray spectroscopy of dilute metal catalysts in solution to air-free conditions
- Propose, acquire, organize, and lead beamtimes at international large-scale X-ray facilities
- Help to develop and apply new capabilities for lab-based ultrafast photochemical studies in our lab at Uppsala University
- Actively engage in scientific collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups internationally
- Co-supervise Master, Bachelor and PhD students
- Help organizing scientific meetings
Requirements
PhD degree in Physics or Chemistry. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.
- High motivation and strong team spirit
- Fluency in both written and spoken English
- Very good experimental skills
- Proven experience in steady-state and time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and/or scattering of metal complexes or molecular catalysts in solution
- Proven experience with complex instrumentation for X-ray techniques at large-scale X-ray facilities
- Proven experience in performing beamtime campaigns at large-scale X-ray facilities
Additional qualifications
- Proficiency in software analysis of X-ray spectroscopy/scattering data sets from large-scale X-ray facilities
- Motivation for: acquiring new expertise (such as in ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy with lab-based sources or ultrafast laser spectroscopy), collaborating with theory groups, teaching at higher-education institutions, or acquiring external grants
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala
For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Philippe Wernet, +46 72 9999707, philippe.wernet@physics.uu.se
Please submit your application by 14 August 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1706.
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Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
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The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.
Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.
Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.Placement:Department of Physics and AstronomyScope:Full timeWorking hours:100%Type of employment:Temporary positionPay:Individual salaryNumber of positions:1Town:UppsalaUnion representatives:
- Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
- ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
- Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se
Number of reference:UFV-PA 2025/1706Last application date:14 August 2025