Become a researcher

Stockholm University is a leading research university, with strong research environments acrross both the humanities and natural sciences. Here, fundamental research is combined with applied studies that contribute to internationally recognised breakthroughs.

Doctoral student Pedro Jesus Tortajada Palmero and master's student Li Wang in The Arrhenius laboratories. Photo: Jens Olof Lasthein

As a doctoral student, you become an integral part of this vibrant research environment. The doctoral programme comprises four years of full-time study and leads to a PhD – the highest academic degree in Sweden. There is also the option to pursue a two-year research programme, culminating in a licentiate degree. We offer doctoral training across all our research areas. Find out more about our doctoral programmes here.

Courses and programmes

PhD student positions in Sweden

In Sweden, doctoral students are admitted directly into specific research projects and groups with new opportunities announced 2–4 times per year. Unlike in many other countries, doctoral students in Sweden are not considered traditional students but are employed by the university. This means you receive a salary and employee benefits, providing stability and support so you can focus fully on your research.

Application and eligibility

For general eligibility to doctoral studies, the applicant must have one of these:

A master's degree, also called "second level degree".
Fulfilled requirements for 240 academic credits, with 60 of these at the second level.
Corresponding competence, in Sweden or abroad.

The Board of the Faculty of Science may exempt an individual applicant from the basic eligibility requirement if there are specific reasons.

Additionally, specific eligibility for people applying to a doctoral programme at the Department of Chemistry should have:

A BSc (filosofie kandidatexamen) degree with chemistry, chemical engineering or physics as major subject.
Successfully completed an independent task within the research subject area comprising at least 30 ECTS points at the second level.

For specific eligibility the applicant may also in some other way, in Sweden or abroad, have acquired generally corresponding competence.

Application materials

If you'd like to apply for a PhD position at the department, please submit the following documents by clicking on “Apply” at the bottom of the announcement for open PhD positions.

Required documents:

Application form PhD pdf, 44 kB. (43 Kb)
Documentation of study merits which clearly shows how you meet the eligibility requirements.
Letter of intent describing what inspired you to apply for the programme, what makes you a suitable candidate, what research questions interest you, and how your interests connect with the project described in the announcement.

How admission decisions are made

This English version is an extract from the general rules, and also includes local policy at the department. The detailed rules are found in Högskoleverkets doktorandhandbok. In the event of a discrepancy in the present text from the Swedish rules, the Swedish version prevails.

For more details please click this link to the official SU information

What happens after I apply?

The supervisor at the department, together with a PhD recruitment group, will check the eligibility and invite some short-listed candidates for interview. The recruitment group then ranks the short-listed candidates based on the information in the applications and impressions from the interviews. Finally, the department board decides on who should be offered a position.

Under exceptional circumstances, a PhD student may be accepted with a shorter study time than the normal 48 months. Such a decision of acceptance is taken by the Chemistry Section Dean.

Information about how to apply to our doctoral education

Applications are submitted via the university’s application system, with a link to the form provided in the advertisement. We prefer applications in English and require the following:

CV
Transcript of records demonstrating that you meet the eligibility requirements
Personal statement explaining why you are applying for the position and what interests you in the research project
Basic eligibility

Basic eligibility

A Master’s degree equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be at the advanced level, or equivalent qualifications. Credentials may be from Sweden or abroad. The Faculty Board of Science may grant exemptions from basic eligibility requirements for special reasons.

Specific eligibility

The admission requirement is a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Physics, as well as at least 30 higher education credits in an independent advanced-level project within the research area, with a pass grade. Equivalent knowledge may also have been acquired through studies abroad.

Selection

Applications are processed according to the instructions in the advertisement, where you will find information about the project description, eligibility requirements, and required documents. At the Department of Chemistry, eligibility and qualifications are reviewed by the supervisor and the recruitment committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. After the interviews, the recruitment committee ranks the candidates, and the department board makes the final admission decision. In some cases, the doctoral training may be shorter than the standard 48 months. Such a decision is made by the Section Dean.

Individual study plan

Upon admission to the doctoral programme, an individual study plan is developed in consultation with your supervisor. The plan includes a timeline indicating the expected date of the viva voce examination. The study plan is signed by the doctoral candidate, supervisor, assistant supervisor, and head of department, and is reviewed and updated annually throughout the course of the programme.

PhD Council – a forum for doctoral students to influence departmental decisions

As a doctoral student at the Department of Chemistry, you are automatically a member of the PhD Council, which addresses research, teaching, courses, and social activities. The Council helps shape working conditions and provides important information. Elections for active roles are held annually.

The Council allows students to raise concerns and suggestions, which two elected representatives present to the Department Board. Active participation lets you influence your working environment and stay informed about departmental and university events.

Questions? phdcouncil.chemistry@su.se

Meet some of our PhD Students and researchers

Natalia from Poland, PhD student in Sustainable Materials Chemistry

Understanding chemistry gives me the possibility to understand the world. Starting from the fun stuff like being able to recognize chemical ingredients of my hair shampoo (and being able to imagine their structural formula) to having the ability to actually make a difference by developing new, eco-friendly materials in my research work.

Read full interview with Natalia

Contact

Responsible for PhD programmes

Last updated: 2026-03-09

Source: Department of Chemistry