PhD in Chemistry: Enzymatic Modification of Hemicellulose — SLU Uppsala

Original title: Doktorand i kemi med inriktning på enzymatisk modifiering av hemicellulosa

About the Role

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a PhD position in chemistry, focusing on the enzymatic modification of hemicellulose. The successful candidate will join a research group at the Department of Molecular Sciences in Uppsala. This is a full-time, fixed-term employment for four years, starting by December 2026 at the latest. The position includes teaching duties of up to 20% of working time.

Project Description

The overarching aim of the doctoral project is to enzymatically modify hemicellulose-derived glycans to produce bio-based crosslinkers for applications in adhesives, hydrogels, and other crosslinked materials. Many current bio-based materials still rely on fossil-derived, often hazardous crosslinkers. For example, fibreboards for furniture, construction, and insulation typically contain about 9% urea-formaldehyde glue, a known human carcinogen. This project will use oxidative enzymes on hemicellulose substrates such as xyloglucan and glucomannan to introduce aldehyde and ketone functionalities on the sugar ring, alongside partial degradation to oligosaccharides. The expected outcome is a library of non-toxic, bio-based crosslinkers that could replace formaldehyde and similar fossil-based alternatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the group’s focus on organic chemistry and biotechnology, with emphasis on structural analysis of enzymes and carbohydrate substrates using NMR spectroscopy.
• Develop new methods to study protein–carbohydrate interactions by NMR spectroscopy.
• Perform extensive laboratory work involving advanced characterisation with NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to determine the structural composition of crosslinkers and crosslinked materials.
• Receive supervision in organic chemistry, enzymology, and wood technology.
• Contribute to teaching at the department, up to 20% of working hours.

Eligibility and Requirements

Basic Eligibility

• Degree at the advanced (master’s) level, or
• Completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level, or
• Acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

Specific Eligibility for the Subject Chemistry

• At least 60 credits in chemistry at the basic level (covering general, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, plus biochemistry).
• At least 30 credits in subject-specific studies at the advanced level.
• Proficiency in English equivalent to a passing grade in Swedish upper secondary school English B/6.

Desired Background and Qualities

• A master’s degree in a field relevant to the position (e.g., organic chemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, or equivalent).
• Meritorious experience in biochemistry or organic chemistry with laboratory work, as well as experience in NMR spectroscopy and/or protein expression and purification.
• Strong personal qualities: collaborative ability, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the capacity to work independently.
• Good spoken and written English.

About the Department and Research Environment

The position is placed in organic chemistry at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU Uppsala. The department comprises about 100 staff members and, together with three other departments, forms the BioCentrum research environment at the Ultuna campus in Uppsala. BioCentrum offers broad expertise in plant biology, plant pathology, plant genetics, mycology, microbiology, food science, chemistry, and biotechnology. Advanced infrastructure includes fermentation labs, advanced microscopy, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The department conducts research and teaching in chemistry, biotechnology, food science, and microbiology, with projects ranging from enzymatic degradation of forest raw materials and production of fish feed from yeasts to programmed cell death in plants and biogas production.

Employment Terms

• Full-time (100%) doctoral employment for four years.
• Salary according to local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.
• Placement: Uppsala, Sweden.
• Start date: by agreement, but no later than December 2026.

How to Apply

Submit your application no later than 5 August 2026. The application must include the documents specified in the university’s guidelines for doctoral application attachments. Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the submitted attachments and the candidate’s ability to complete the doctoral education within the stipulated time. For further information, contact the recruitment team or the contact persons listed below. The reference number for this position is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-1842.

Contact persons: Gustav Nestor (University Lecturer, +46 18 67 3188, [email protected]) and Mats Sandgren (Docent, [email protected]).

SLU strives for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Original vacancy