Doctoral student in organometallic chemistry

Subject description

Organometallic chemistry is focussed on the synthesis, reactivity and applications of compounds with metal carbon bonds.  

Work duties

Graduate training in organometallic chemistry. The project involves the development and study of organometallic compounds based primarily on late metals and pincer ligands with a strong focus on mechanistic aspects. The compounds will be used for activation of small molecules and unreactive bonds. Advanced synthesis and characterization by NMR-spectroscopy will be important parts of the work.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in organometallic chemistry if the applicant has:

• At least 120 credits chemistry courses of which at least 30 credits of second-cycle degree project in the chosen specialisation or closely related specialisations. The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed in each individual case.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A strong background in synthetic and mechanistic chemistry.
• A Master's degree in organic, inorganic or organometallic chemistry (at the time of admission, may be ongoing at the time of application)

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be employed as doctoral students. The duration of the doctoral studies is four years for full-time studies. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, the employment is extended correspondingly, but for a maximum of 5 years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain an academic CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Also attach a short summary of research accomplishments (e.g. Diploma work, max 2 pages, Palatino 12pt).