Doctoral Student In Soft Matter Structure And Morphology

Investigate how structural organization in soft matter across multiple length scales governs material properties.

About us

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.

About the research project

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.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• 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.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience in experimental research, spectroscopy, physical chemistry, or materials characterization can be advantageous but is not required.

Candidates with strong scientific curiosity and motivation for research are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all listed qualifications.

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.

Contract terms

• 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.

What we offer

• 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.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

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.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than April 24, 2026. Applications will be reviewed continuously before the deadline.

For questions, please contact:

Lars Evenäs
Professor
lars.evenas@chalmers.se / +46(031) 772 2973

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

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.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.