项目介绍

2026年7月21日

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. The Research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry and organic chemistry. The research projects are many from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The department also hosts the Bachelor’s degree programme in chemistry and three Master’s programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. More information about us, please visit: Department of Chemistry.

Project description

Project title: Ion-conductive polymers for stabilizing the anode/electrolyte interface in rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries

Supervisors: Prof. Jiayin Yuan (main supervisor), Prof. Aji Mathew (co-supervisor)

In this project, you will develop multifunctional ion-conductive polymers for improving anode-electrolyte interface stability and achieving long-term cycle life of rechargeable aqueous ZIBs. The goal is to design sustainable polymer coatings derived from biomass to ensure efficient Zn2+ transport across the interface while suppressing unfavourable interfacial side reactions. The candidate will assemble symmetrical Zn||Zn cells and full cells to analyse their performance and detect the mechanical adaptability of a polymer during Zn plating. The project will involve collaboration with other partners, especially the theory group in the consortium dealing with modelling and molecular dynamics simulation. The project will also require 3 secondments of the PhD student (9 months) in the consortium partners.

The ideal applicant is proactive and equipped with a problem-solving mindset. The ambition to conduct interdisciplinary research at the broad breadth of materials chemistry is an asset. Candidates with a solid foundation in materials chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, battery operation and materials, and/or ionic conductor specialisation are encouraged to apply.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

To meet the special entry requirements to be admitted to doctoral level education in materials chemistry, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree with major in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or physics and must have completed an independent project comprising at least 30 higher education credits at the advanced level.

Special eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in another order within or outside Sweden.

The project (101311389 – e-ChemIn) is a part within the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) program under the HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01 call. The applicant should not have resided in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date, and not having carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden during this period. The applicant must be a doctoral candidate (not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment).

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the supervisor Professor Jiayin, Yuan jiayin.yuan@su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.