Summary
Karlstad University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Department of Engineering and Physics. This position is part of the SPECTRA project, a Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder initiative, focusing on the development of a multispectral solar photoreforming device for the selective depolymerization of mixed plastics. You will contribute to computational modelling and AI-guided design of homogeneous organic photocatalysts.
Position Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Physics / Computational Materials Science / Computational Chemistry |
| Location | Karlstad, Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Fixed-term (2 years) |
| Reference Number | REK2026/125 |
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Degree: PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Computational Materials Science, or a closely related field. (The PhD must be completed before the appointment decision).
- Timing: The PhD must have been completed no more than three years before the application deadline (extensions possible for documented special grounds).
- Technical Requirements: * Documented experience with DFT-based molecular calculations.
- Documented experience with molecular dynamics simulations.
- Communication: Proficiency in English (oral and written).
Job Description
The successful candidate will conduct computational research within the SPECTRA project, contributing to the development of modelling and AI workflows. Key responsibilities include:
- Computational Modelling: Performing DFT and TDDFT calculations, as well as sequential QM/MM and reaction-pathway workflows.
- AI Integration: Developing surrogate models, active-learning workflows, and AI-guided candidate ranking.
- Data Management: Building FAIR-compliant datasets and reproducible computational workflows.
- Collaboration: Working with an international team of partners in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Italy.
- Reporting: Writing scientific publications, contributing to reports, and presenting results at conferences.
- Additional Duties: Potential teaching or departmental responsibilities (up to 20%).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the university’s web-based recruitment tool (Varbi). Your application should include:
- CV and list of publications (specifying your role in multi-authored papers).
- Cover letter detailing your qualifications, research interests, and motivation.
- Copy of PhD degree/diploma.
- Copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications.
- Two references (at least one must be a current or former supervisor).
If you have documents that cannot be submitted electronically, mail them to: Karlstads universitet, HR-administratör, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden (referencing REK2026/125).
Important Information
- Last Date to Apply: August 2, 2026.
- Contact: For inquiries, contact Head of Department Mikael Grehk (mikael.grehk@kau.se) or Professor Moyses Araujo (moyses.araujo@kau.se).
