PhD student in Chemistry with specialization in Analytical Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences
conducts research and education in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry. More than 100 people, including around 45 PhD students, work at the department. New employees and students are recruited from all over the world and English is the main working language. The department is located at the Biomedical Centre in Uppsala, which facilitates collaborations with research groups in biology, pharmacy, medicine and SciLifeLab and gives access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. The international environment and good opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations enables PhD students at the department to participate in relevant research projects and prepare for an international research career. You can find more information about us
here.

Project description

We are looking for a PhD student in analytical chemistry to develop novel methods for single-cell analysis and quantification using direct infusion mass spectrometry. A key objective is to optimize sampling and ionization probes for sensitive detection of metabolites and lipids from individual cells, enabling studies of cellular heterogeneity. The project will involve custom-built analytical platforms coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry and span the full workflow, from cell culture and experimental design to data acquisition, molecular annotation, and data processing. The work will also include development of targeted tandem mass spectrometry methods and reactive chemistry strategies for confident analyte identification and quantification.
As a PhD candidate, you will be involved in all aspects of the project and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in chemistry, biology, medicine, and information technology. You will contribute to the development of innovative analytical methodologies through experimental work and molecular annotation strategies. The position offers access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and opportunities to develop creative solutions for studying metabolites and lipids in biological systems.
The project is expected to result in internationally competitive research and provides excellent opportunities for pushing the boundaries of analytical chemistry and collaborating with leading researchers across disciplines.
Tasks may include
Independent planning, execution, and analysis of experimental work Method development, optimization, problem solving, and technology development Scientific collaboration within and outside the research group Communication of research results
The position is based in the research group of Prof. Ingela Lanekoff, which develops innovative mass spectrometry methodologies to address fundamental questions in biology and medicine. The group's research focuses on mass spectrometry imaging and single-cell mass spectrometry to reveal chemical processes underlying biological function and dysfunction. The group has secured several major research grants, providing long-term resources, access to cutting-edge instrumentation, and opportunities for international collaborations. More information can be found on the group's website and Google Scholar profile.

Duties

The main duties of PhD students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (not more than 20 % of full time).

Requirements

To be eligible for doctoral education, a basic higher education equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at Master’s level, including an independent project equivalent to at least 15 credits, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, more information about the general requirements can be found
here
.
Special eligibility to doctoral studies in Analytical Chemistry requires that the doctoral student has passed courses in chemistry, or courses in areas relevant to analytical chemistry, of at least 90 credits or that he/she has acquired equivalent knowledge abroad. More information about the subject specific requirements can be found
here
.
Very good English proficiency in speech and writing.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaborative skills, motivation and independence, as well as how the applicant through his/her experience and competence is judged to have the abilities necessary to develop within and acquire the doctoral education.

Additional qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated, communicative, and collaborative individual with demonstrated potential to conduct independent research. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in and a strong interest in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. Previous experience in mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites and lipids is considered meriting.
Doctoral students are normally engaged for some teaching at undergraduate and graduate level. Previous experience from teaching/mentoring, even from environments outside the school/university, as well as other outreach activities may therefore be meritorious.
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's
rules and guidelines.

About the employment

The employment is a
t
emporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7
.
Scope of employment 100 %.
Starting date
as agreed. Placement:
Uppsala
For further information about the position, please contact:
(
Ingela Lanekoff, 018 471 36 73, ingela.lanekoff@kemi.uu.se
.
Please submit your application by 24 November
2026
, UFV-PA
2026
/3274.