We have the power of over 50,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting challenges of today. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, trust and security. By having the courage to think freely and innovate, our actions together, large and small, contribute to a better world. We look forward to receiving your application!

Your work assignments

The project focuses on the development and optimization of electrocatalysts and electrolyzer systems for sustainable energy conversion. The research will address both fundamental and applied questions in electrocatalysis, including CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass-derived molecule upgrading, and other small-molecule transformations. The project aims to develop broadly applicable strategies for catalytic performance optimization and mechanistic understanding in electrochemical systems.

The PhD student will work on the design, characterization, and optimization of catalysts as well as electrolyzer configurations. The work may include catalyst synthesis, operando spectroscopic measurements, reaction mechanism investigation, and optimization of catalytic performance at both the material and device levels.

The PhD student is also expected to contribute to the development of new research directions, maintain accurate laboratory records, and present results in group meetings and at scientific conferences. Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals will be an integral part of the role.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in chemistry or material or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in chemistry or material. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

A strong background in one or more of the following areas is considered meritorious:

• electrochemistry, electrocatalysis
• CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass upgrading, or other small-molecule catalytic reactions
• materials chemistry, catalyst synthesis, characterization, or surface/interface science
• electrolyzer testing, reactor design, electrochemical system optimization
• operando spectroscopy, such as Raman, FTIR, XAS, or other related techniques

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds who are motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries in electrochemical catalysis, spectroscopy, materials science, and sustainable chemical conversion.

The position requires good communication skills in English, both written and spoken. The candidate should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Important personal qualities include scientific curiosity, creativity, problem-solving ability, accuracy in experimental work, and a strong motivation to develop new methods and ideas.

Your workplace

Your workplace will be the Lizhou Fan group at the Division of Materials Design, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University.

The Lizhou Fan group works on electrocatalysis, operando spectroscopy, and electrolyzer system optimization for sustainable energy conversion. The group focuses on understanding and optimizing electrocatalyst as well as catalytic systems for CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass upgrading, and other small-molecule transformations, with emphasis on linking catalytic mechanisms to practical performance. The group has active collaborations with leading international research groups in the field.

The Division of Materials Design carries out research, undergraduate and postgraduate education within materials physics and materials chemistry. The division combines theory and modelling, materials synthesis, characterization, and property testing, with a particular focus on materials for sustainable technologies. The division provides a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with strong expertise in materials theory, thin films and nanolaminated materials, and applied electrochemistry.

Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and encompasses major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 12 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Read more: https://wise-materials.org/research-school/

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University 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 the 2^nd of July 2026.

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