PhD Students in Chemistry

Stockholm University

Institution: Stockholm University
Department: Department of Chemistry
Subject Area: Nano-Enabled Medical Devices for Precision Healthcare (Analytical Chemistry)
Employment Type: Doctoral Student (PhD)
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time (100%)
Location: Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden
Reference Number: SU FV-2200-26
Application Deadline: 9 August 2026

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University, with more than 200 employees.

Research spans all major areas of chemistry, including:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Inorganic and Structural Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

Research ranges from theoretical to experimental studies, from fundamental science to applied research, with strong emphasis on sustainable chemistry and advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials.

The department provides a well-developed research infrastructure equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation supported by experienced staff scientists.

The department also offers:

  • Bachelor's Programme in Chemistry
  • Master's Programmes in:
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Sustainable Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry

Doctoral education is available in:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

Subject Area

Nano-Enabled Medical Devices for Precision Healthcare (Analytical Chemistry)

Medical devices are increasingly being transformed through the integration of advanced functional materials capable of actively interacting with biological systems.

This PhD project focuses on developing next-generation nano-enabled medical devices by combining:

  • advanced nanomaterial synthesis;
  • innovative manufacturing technologies;
  • surface engineering techniques.

The research includes:

  • synthesis of functional nanomaterials using flame spray pyrolysis;
  • integration of nanomaterials into medical device platforms using aerosol-based coating and deposition technologies.

The project aims to develop multifunctional materials and engineered surfaces with tailored physicochemical and biological properties for applications including:

  • wound dressings;
  • microneedle systems;
  • biosensors;
  • advanced biomaterial-based medical devices.

Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding structure-property-function relationships, investigating how:

  • material composition;
  • morphology;
  • crystallinity;
  • surface chemistry;
  • nanoscale architecture

influence biological responses and device performance.

The developed systems may provide functionalities such as:

  • antimicrobial activity;
  • localized and controlled therapeutic delivery;
  • tissue regeneration;
  • biomarker detection;
  • additional capabilities relevant to next-generation precision healthcare.

By integrating materials science, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, biomaterials, and medical technology, the project offers an opportunity to develop innovative healthcare technologies with strong clinical and industrial potential.

Responsibilities

The PhD student will:

  • Design and synthesize next-generation functional nanomaterials using flame spray pyrolysis, exploring novel material compositions, architectures, and functionalities for medical devices and biomaterials;
  • Develop aerosol-based coating and deposition technologies for integrating nanomaterials into wound dressings, microneedles, biosensors, and other advanced biomedical platforms;
  • Engineer nano-enabled medical devices with functionalities including:Establish structure-property-function relationships through advanced materials characterization together with studies of biological performance, device functionality, and nano-bio interactions;
    • antimicrobial activity;
    • biomarker detection;
    • controlled therapeutic delivery;
    • enhanced tissue regeneration;
    • stimuli-responsive behaviour;
  • Work within an interdisciplinary and international research environment, collaborating with experts in materials science, chemical engineering, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and medical technology;
  • Disseminate research through high-impact scientific publications and presentations at leading international conferences.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must satisfy both the general and specific entry requirements for doctoral education.

The qualification requirements must be fulfilled by the application deadline.

General Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • completed a second-cycle degree; or
  • completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 second-cycle credits; or
  • acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed:

  • at least 90 credits in chemistry at undergraduate level;
  • an advanced-level course in analytical chemistry worth at least 15 credits;
  • an independent advanced-level research project worth at least 30 credits.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on the applicant's ability to successfully complete doctoral education.

The following criteria will be assessed:

  • documented knowledge of:analytical and creative thinking;
    • materials science;
    • analytical instrumentation;
    • nanomaterial synthesis;
    • materials characterization;
  • initiative;
  • independence;
  • ability to collaborate;
  • excellent written and spoken English.

Selection follows the Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

Employment

The position is a fixed-term doctoral student employment under Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).

Key employment conditions include:

  • Full-time doctoral studies for a maximum of four years;
  • Up to 20% of working time may include teaching, research support, or administrative duties;
  • Initial appointment for a maximum of one year;
  • Renewals may be granted for up to two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to provide a workplace free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Georgios A. Sotiriou

Phone: +46 733 728720

Email: georgios.sotiriou@su.se

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Stockholm University's recruitment system.

Applicants should attach:

  • Personal letter;
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  • All additional documents requested in the application form.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that:

  • the application is complete;
  • all required documents are included;
  • the application is submitted before the deadline.

Application instructions are available in "How to apply for a position."

Employment Information

  • Position: PhD Student in Analytical Chemistry within Nano-Enabled Medical Devices for Precision Healthcare
  • Institution: Stockholm University
  • Department: Department of Chemistry
  • Employment Type: Temporary
  • Contract Type: Full-time
  • Salary: Fixed salary
  • Number of Positions: 1
  • Full-time Equivalent: 100%
  • Location: Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden
  • Reference Number: SU FV-2200-26
  • Published: 24 June 2026
  • Application Deadline: 9 August 2026

Union Representatives

ST/OFR

Saco-S

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