项目介绍
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in Chemical sciences and Molecular life sciences. Our research and education focus on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg’s top ranking in life science. We are located in central premises at Natrium, Medicinareberget, Gothenburg.
Doctoral position in Natural Sciences, specialising in Chemistry
The PhD student will join the SundénLab, a research group working in synthetic organic chemistry, with research focused on organoboron chemistry and supramolecular polymer chemistry. The group develops innovative synthetic methods to streamline molecular assembly and provide chemists with new tools for constructing complex molecules. With a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, the research aims to enable the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and smart materials through cost-effective and environmentally friendly chemistry.
Since 2014, the SundénLab has developed a research program aimed at accelerating the discovery of low molecular weight compounds capable of self-assembling into supramolecular polymers and gels. A key strategy has been the use of multicomponent reactions (MCRs), where three or more building blocks are assembled into complex molecular architectures in a single synthetic step. This approach enables rapid access to diverse molecular libraries while reducing synthetic time and resource consumption. Within this program, the group developed the oxo triphenylhexanoate (OTHO) molecular platform, which has demonstrated a remarkable ability to self-assemble and form supramolecular polymers/gels in a variety of solvents, including water. The doctoral project will focus on supramolecular polymer chemistry based on the OTHO molecule, with particular emphasis on understanding how external stimuli, especially sound waves, influence molecular self-assembly. The project aims to uncover how acoustic stimulation can direct supramolecular organization and to explore potential applications of these responsive systems, including chemical recovery, immobilization of reagents, and other adaptive material technologies. This interdisciplinary project combines synthetic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and materials science, offering an opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation responsive materials.
For more information about the self-assembly and functional properties of OTHO-based supramolecular materials, applicants are encouraged to consult the group’s previous work:
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university’s doctoral student pages.
Duties as a doctoral student
The doctoral project is to a large extent synthesis-oriented, and it is therefore essential that applicants have a background in synthetic organic chemistry and enjoy practical laboratory work. The project will involve the synthesis and development of supramolecular materials, requiring hands-on experimental work and a strong interest in molecular design, synthesis, and characterization. Parts of the doctoral studies will be devoted to the characterization of molecular and supramolecular systems, including techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, rheology, and electron microscopy. Previous experience with one or more of these techniques is considered an advantage. However, an openness to learning and adopting new characterization methods as required by the project is equally important.
As part of the doctoral education, the candidate is expected to actively participate in the scientific environment of the department, including weekly research seminars, PhD defenses, departmental seminars, and other scientific activities organized by the department. Several of the instruments used in the project are operated and maintained at the research-group level. The doctoral student will therefore be expected to take responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and basic servicing of relevant laboratory instrumentation, while contributing to the shared research infrastructure of the group. In addition to their scientific work, doctoral students are required to participate in courses, staff activities and group activities such as group meetings and literature seminars.
Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. The work during the doctoral student period is to result in a written and defended doctoral thesis that complies with the rules for a thesis at the University of Gothenburg. As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 per cent of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.
Eligibility
Doctoral studies requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:
- having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
- the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
- the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, according to the general syllabus, applicants must:
- have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a for the planned third-cycle education relevant subject area in the natural sciences, or
- have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in a for the planned third-cycle education relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
- have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
For specific eligibility, applicants must also have a good command of spoken and written English. The benchmark is 550 points on the TOEFL test (or 213 points on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 points on the TOEFL-iBT).
Assessment criteria
Selection among applicants who meet the basic and specific entry requirements is based on their ability to benefit from the doctoral education.
The following assessment criteria shall be applied when selecting applicants:
- merits from basic education
- merits from advanced level education, which are invoked within specific entry requirements
- the relevance of previous education to the planned doctoral education
- assessment of the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral education
- where applicable, assessment of the applicant’s ability to work in a research group
Required knowledge and experience:
The successful candidate is expected to have a strong academic background in chemistry, preferably with specialization in synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, or related areas. As the doctoral project is highly experimental and synthesis-oriented, applicants should demonstrate an interest in practical laboratory work and molecular design. Experience in organic synthesis, purification, and structural characterization of organic compounds is highly desirable.
A strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry is required, including documented experience in organic synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic compounds. Applicants must have hands-on experience with core analytical techniques used in organic chemistry, particularly NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and chromatographic methods relevant to compound purification and analysis. Since the project is highly experimental and synthesis-oriented, a genuine interest in laboratory work and molecular design is essential.
The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment and demonstrate strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
Key qualifications include:
- A strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, including laboratory experience in organic synthesis, purification, and compound characterization.
- An interest in supramolecular chemistry and materials science, with enthusiasm for experimental research and learning new techniques.
- Ability to express oneself in spoken and written English
Desirable knowledge and experience:
Experience in materials and supramolecular characterization techniques is considered beneficial but is not a requirement. Prior exposure to methods such as rheology, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, or other characterization techniques relevant to soft materials and supramolecular systems will be viewed positively. However, applicants are primarily expected to demonstrate a strong willingness and ability to learn new experimental and analytical methods throughout the doctoral studies.
- Desirable knowledge in electron microscopy is meritorious.
- Desirable experience rheology is meritorious.
- Documented professional experience as a teacher is meritorious.
Admission to doctoral studies
Decisions on admission to doctoral studies are made by the Head of Department and cannot be appealed.
Employment as a doctoral student
Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg to finance your doctoral studies.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment in accordance with Regulation SFS 1993:100, four years
Scope of employment: Full time 100 %
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
Start date: By agreement
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. However, at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, the general rule is that employment as a doctoral student may be extended for a maximum of one year at a time, provided that progress is being made in the doctoral studies.
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.
Please note, doctoral studies at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding the doctoral student position, please feel free to contact: professor: Henrik Sundén, Email: Henrik.sunden@chem.gu.se Telephone: +46 0708924671
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives
Application
You can apply to be admitted to doctoral studies via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
The application must be written in English and include:
- CV with description of educational background.
- Thesis or equivalent independent work.
- Proof of advanced level degree or completed courses, see eligibility requirements above. Proof must be translated into English if it is in a language other than Swedish or English. In your application, provide a contact (telephone number or email) for the issuing educational institution that can verify your degree.
- Certificate of valid TOEFL or TOEFL-CBT or TOEFL-iBT test.
- Two references (name, email address, telephone number, relationship)
All documents must be in PDF format and named in a way that clearly shows their content.
Applications must be received by: 2026-06-15
联系方式
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