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Doctoral position in organic chemistry with a focus on method development in the synthesis of organic boron compounds
Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.
The research group focuses on synthetic method development in organic chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the synthesis of organic boron compounds. Method development is a key aspect of modern organic chemistry, as new and more selective synthetic strategies enable more efficient, sustainable, and versatile ways to produce complex molecules. By developing new methods, we can reduce the number of synthetic steps, improve yields and selectivity, and create reactions that are more environmentally friendly and practical for industrial applications.
Recently, we have focused on selective reactions where boron is introduced regioselectively into aromatic compounds. This precision is particularly valuable for synthesizing important molecules with applications in both pharmaceutical development and materials chemistry.
In this project, we will specifically investigate how isotope labeling of organic compounds can be achieved using boron chemistry. Isotope labeling is a powerful tool in both medical research and materials science, as isotope-labeled compounds are used to track biological processes, study drug metabolism, and enhance sensitivity in analytical techniques such as PET (positron emission tomography). By developing efficient and selective methods for isotope labeling, we aim to contribute to advancements in these critical fields.
We are looking for a motivated PhD student who wants to contribute to this exciting research and develop new chemical methods with broad applications.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.
https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies
Duties
The tasks in this project consist largely of laboratory work in organic synthesis, so it is important that the candidate enjoys the experimental aspects of organic chemistry. Furthermore, purification of organic compounds, analysis, and structure determination using spectroscopic methods are central parts of the work.
The PhD student is also expected to participate in scientific seminars organized by the department and attend PhD defenses. Additionally, the student is encouraged to actively take part in scientific conferences, either through poster presentations or oral presentations.
As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % 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. At the Department of Chemistry and Molecular biology the PhD student will be involved in teaching courses offered by the university as part of their departmental duties. Other departmental duties may include responsibility for shared analytical instruments, ensuring that the chemical inventory is up to date, and other similar tasks.
As part of the doctoral education, the candidate is also expected to complete 60 ECTS credits in advanced courses in organic chemistry or related subjects.
Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.
Eligibility
Doctoral education requires general eligibility and 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 doctoral education, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education
The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).
Assessment criteria
The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.
In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for: Applicants must hold a master's degree in a natural science discipline from a university or higher education institution. A specialization in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a related field is highly meritorious. Specialization may, for example, have been obtained through a 60 ECTS (one year) master's thesis or through work experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
Admission and employment
Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.
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.
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.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, four years full time
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As soon as possible based on agreement
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
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
Henrik Sundén
E-mail: [email protected]
Phon: +46708924671
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education 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.
You must include the following, in PDF format
- Personal letter
- CV
- Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
- Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies
- Two references (name, e-mail, telephone number, relation)
If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.
Applications must be received by: 21st of April 2025 (2025-04-21)
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
