Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Institute:
Chalmers University of Technology
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
spectroscopy, chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering
Posted Date:
Mar 21, 2026
Deadline:
Apr 24, 2026
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
NA
PhD Position in Soft Matter Structure and Morphology
Description:
- This project investigates how internal structural organization in soft matter governs material properties. Many polymer-based and bio-based materials contain domains with different degrees of order, from amorphous to crystalline, distributed across nanometer to micrometer scales. The doctoral student will use solid-state NMR spectroscopy enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization to resolve these structures and quantify their size, distribution, and chemical composition in heterogeneous soft materials, and investigate how such structural domains influence material properties. The project combines methodological development with studies of real material systems, offering opportunities to contribute both experimentally and conceptually. The project offers substantial opportunity for the doctoral student to shape the scientific direction of the work.
What you will do
- The doctoral project investigates the structural organization of soft matter using solid-state NMR spectroscopy enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization. The work involves developing experimental approaches to resolve structural domains in heterogeneous systems and relating these structures to macroscopic material properties.
- The doctoral student is expected to engage deeply with the scientific questions of the project and contribute actively to the development of experimental strategies and interpretation of results.
- The doctoral student will:
- design and perform experiments
- analyze and interpret spectroscopic data
- investigate structural organization in soft matter systems
- publish research results in scientific journals and present the work at scientific conferences
- Doctoral studies and the position also include courses, teaching, and other departmental responsibilities.
- design and perform experiments
- analyze and interpret spectroscopic data
- investigate structural organization in soft matter systems
- publish research results in scientific journals and present the work at scientific conferences
- Doctoral studies and the position also include courses, teaching, and other departmental responsibilities.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- To qualify as a doctoral student, you must hold a degree corresponding to a Master’s level education in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
- The most important qualification is a strong interest in scientific research and in understanding physical or chemical phenomena in heterogeneous systems. The work is experimental and requires motivation to design experiments, operate advanced scientific instrumentation, and interpret experimental results.
- The position requires sound written and verbal communication skills in English.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in experimental research, spectroscopy, physical chemistry, or materials characterization can be advantageous but is not required.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
- The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
- A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
- Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
Benefits:
- As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- CV
- Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
- Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
How to apply:
- The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files.
- Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
- The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering pushes the knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering forward in a broad field of research and education. We offer an international environment, with scientific areas ranging from fundamental chemistry, health and medical technology, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, theory and modelling.
- Our research at the Division of Applied Chemistry focuses on the structure and behavior of heterogeneous materials, particularly soft matter systems such as polymers, gels, and bio-based materials. The work combines concepts from surface and colloid chemistry with spectroscopic methods to understand how molecular organization governs material properties. The division maintains close collaboration with the Swedish NMR Centre, providing access to state-of-the-art magnetic resonance instrumentation within a collaborative research environment.
- Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.