Research Project Assistant in Physical Chemistry, focusing on gravity-related solution chemistry and energy materials

Description

We are seeking a research project assistant in physical chemistry to participate in ongoing research across three areas: the development of glass-based structures for technology development related to low-gravity environments, solution chemistry under varying gravitational fields, and the characterization of organic semiconductor thin films for solar cells. The projects are funded by external research grants from the Swedish National Space Agency and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

The Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, which has approximately 60 employees, is part of the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology. The department comprises four subject areas: Building Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental and Energy Systems.

Research in Chemistry is conducted within the fields of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and chemistry education. Research in physical chemistry takes place in close collaboration with researchers in materials physics.

The physical chemistry research group has received long-standing funding from the Swedish National Space Agency and has participated in parabolic flights, drop tower experiments, and sounding rocket experiments organized by the European Space Agency (ESA).

We are now seeking a project assistant for a fixed-term position of seven months.

Duties

The primary duties involve research within three distinct projects: "Stable doping of organic semiconductors" (funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation), "Advanced Glass and Chalcogenide 3D Printing for Space Solar and Optical Applications" (funded by Nobula 3D AB via the Swedish National Space Agency’s space applications program), and "Unlocking the Potential of Organic Photovoltaics: Integrating Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Microgravity Experiments for Optimised Film Morphology and Enhanced Solar Cell Performance" (funded by the Swedish National Space Agency). These projects will focus primarily on the characterization of new materials and methods, as well as development in both technical areas and fundamental knowledge relevant to the projects. The allocation of working time across these projects may vary over time, depending on the duration and needs of the individual sub-projects. The methods employed primarily include atomic force microscopy and solution-chemistry experiments regarding drying and dissolution kinetics. Additional laboratory work and the modeling of solutions during drying may also be included.

You will engage with the surrounding community for mutual exchange and work to ensure that the knowledge and expertise available at the university benefit society.

To contribute to a positive work environment and the development of operations, you are expected to be present and participate in daily work and the workplace community.

Qualifications

Eligible to be employed as a project assistant in physical chemistry is someone who has a doctorate in physical chemistry or the equivalent in a field relevant to the employment. Since you will be working in an international environment, you must have good knowledge of English. You must have well-documented knowledge and experience, for example through scientific publications, in solubility chemistry, atomic force microscopy, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and in the field of organic solar cells.

Of particular importance is documented experience in characterization of thin films with atomic force microscopy, documented experience in solution chemistry and experience in gravity-related effects on drying solutions for organic solar cells.

Of great importance are good cooperation skills, commitment to the tasks and a positive attitude towards colleagues.

Participation and presentations at international conferences are important.

Teaching experience in physical chemistry, especially the physical chemistry of polymers, is advantageous.

All employees at Karlstad University must also have a good ability to cooperate and treat colleagues and students with respect. They must also take responsibility for both the activities and their own work and contribute to a good working environment.

Terms

The position is fixed-term and full-time (100%). The start date is 1 November 2026, and the end date is 31 May 2027. The position is based in Karlstad, with a requirement for daily presence at Karlstad University.

Application

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi.

Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• CV
• cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position
• copies of course transcripts, degree certificates, and other certificates
• two references, at least one of which is a current or former supervisor.

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (not links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Application deadline: October 21, 2026

State the reference no: REK 2026/202

We look forward to your application!

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