Proncipal Research Engineer in Organic Materials for Solar Fuels and CO2 Conversion

Want to use your materials chemistry skills to help in the development of renewable energy technologies? We are seeking a motivated and creative research engineer to join our project aimed at developing organic and hybrid materials for the conversion of CO2 and water into fuels and chemicals using light and electricity.

This role will involve the synthesis and processing of conjugated organic materials (such as covalent organic frameworks, conjugated polymers and molecular catalysts) and/or the construction and testing of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction and water splitting. The balance between synthesis and testing will be adapted to the expertise of the successful candidate.

Duties

This position combines materials synthesis, characterisation and (photo)electrochemical testing. The research engineer will work closely with the group leader and other group members and is expected to take ownership of experimental workflows and equipment within the project.

Primary Research Duties

• Synthesis and/or processing of conjugated organic and hybrid materials (e.g. covalent organic frameworks, conjugated polymers, molecular and single-site catalysts)
• Structural, optical and electrochemical characterisation of materials
• Testing of materials for photocatalytic and/or electrocatalytic CO2 reduction and water splitting
• Development and maintenance of reproducible testing protocols and equipment (e.g. photoreactors, electrochemical cells, product quantification by gas chromatography)

Other Responsibilities

• Recording and analysis of data
• Learning new synthetic, analytical or characterisation techniques
• Presentation of data at group meetings and, where relevant, conferences
• Contribution to manuscript preparation
• Literature monitoring and review
• Training and support of junior researchers
• Collaboration with other group members and external partners
• Practice of high laboratory safety standards and contribution to lab maintenance

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• Academically Strong: Holds, or is close to being awarded, a doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or a related field, with a track record demonstrating competence and success in your field. Evidence will be sought of a deep understanding of the applicant's previous fields of research as well as independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects.
• Technically Proficient: Has hands-on experience in at least one of the following: (i) synthesis of organic, polymeric or framework materials; (ii) electrocatalysis, including cell assembly and product quantification; (iii) photocatalysis or (photo)electrochemical characterisation. Experience in organic semiconductors, in situ/operando spectroscopy, thin-film processing or device fabrication is a plus.
• Self-Motivated: Is an enthusiastic, organised, self-starter. Willing to learn new techniques or concepts and apply them in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Detail-Oriented: Has strong attention to detail, the ability to keep comprehensive laboratory records and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Collaborative: Capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Can operate supportively in a laboratory environment and take part in joint projects through co-operation and the exchange of information and skills.
• Excellent Communicator: Has strong verbal, visual presentation, and written communication skills in English.

The doctoral degree should have been awarded, or the thesis submitted with a defence scheduled, by the start of employment.

The workplace

Join us at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) at Linköping University, a world-renowned center for groundbreaking research in solar energy devices, bioelectronics, printed electronics, and nanooptics using organic materials. Our innovative work focuses on the dynamic coupling of ion and electron movement. Our research topics include synthesis, material science, theory and modelling, device physics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and system design. Our activities span the range from basic research to commercialization. At LOE, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of over 150 researchers, including professors, senior and junior scientists, fellow postdocs and PhD students. Our collaborative environment is multidisciplinary, fostering creativity and innovation. Laboratory of organic electronics Our campus is located in central Norrköping, a small but vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage within easy reach of the beautiful forests and lakes of Östergötland.

You will work within the Functional π-Materials group, led by Assistant Professor Catherine Aitchison. The team develops innovative new materials for various energy production and storage applications. We focus on conjugated organic materials and are interested in synthesising and studying materials with self-assembled microstructures that aid in function.

Linköping University (LiU) conducts world-leading, cross-disciplinary research in fields that include materials science, IT and life science technology. LiU is one of the largest universities in Sweden and today has 40,000 students and 4,500 employees. The students are among the most desirable in the labour market and international rankings consistently place LiU as a leading global university. Read more at WISE PhD 20204

The employment

This employment is a temporary contract of 12 months. The employment is full-time.

Starting date – by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

At Linköping University, salaries are set individually and differentiated, in accordance with the applicable collective agreements (RALS/RALS-T) and the university’s salary-setting guidelines.

More information about employee benefits is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than November 9, 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.