Doctoral student in inorganic chemistry (PA2021/2525)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 44 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Faculty of Science conducts research and education within Biology, Astronomy, Physics, Geosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Environmental Science. The Faculty is organized into nine departments, gathered in the northern campus area. The Faculty has approximately 1500 students, 330 PhD students and 700 employees.

Subject description

The coordination chemistry of metals is a common theme in inorganic chemistry. This chemistry is the basis for much cross-disciplinary research, spanning across different aspects of chemistry, other natural sciences, technology and medicine. Metal complexes participate in many natural processes, and inorganic chemistry is essential for the understanding of the natural cyclical processes involving metals. Other important aspects of metal complexes include their use as catalysts and in medicine.

Work duties

The research project will focus on synthesis, characterization, and reactivity studies of metal complexes with potential antimalarial properties. The chemical synthesis will involve both inorganic and organic synthetic methods, and the handling of air and moisture-sensitive chemical substances.

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 can 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 he or she:

• 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 Inorganic chemistry if he or she has:

• an advanced degree corresponding to an M.Sc. in chemistry
• completed courses equivalent to 240 Swedish university credits, of which 60 credits must be at the advanced (M.Sc.) level; all courses should be in subject matters relevant to the envisaged Ph.D. studies
• obtained qualifications that correspond to the requirements listed above, in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English. 

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.

Other assessment criteria:

Previous experience of inorganic, organometallic and/or organic synthesis will be considered a merit, but is not a necessary requirement.

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 appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at the Faculty of Science, Lund University, consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). 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 a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).