Can sunlight be stored in molecules and released as heat when needed? We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop supramolecular materials combining molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage with light-controlled phase transitions, using synthetic chemistry, photochemistry and automated discovery.
About us
You will join the research group of Professor Kasper Moth-Poulsen in the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. Our interdisciplinary research uses synthetic chemistry to address challenges in solar-energy storage, functional molecular materials and energy conversion.
The group has extensive experience in molecular photoswitches for solar energy storage, so-called MOST systems, and automated experimental approaches. You will work in an international, collaborative research environment at the interface of organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, photochemistry and materials science.
Group website: www.moth-poulsen.com
About the research project
MOST systems use photoactive molecules to capture and store solar energy through reversible photochemical transformations. The stored energy can subsequently be released as heat on demand.
The central ambition of this project is to combine molecular photoswitching with cooperative intermolecular interactions and phase behavior to develop a new family of functional materials for thermal-energy storage.
You will investigate relationships between molecular structure, supramolecular organization, photochemical performance, phase transitions, energy density and cycling stability.
A second key component is automated materials discovery. You will develop and apply automated synthesis, screening and characterization workflows to explore a broader design space, identify promising materials more efficiently, and generate deeper mechanistic insight into their function.
Selected recent publications
[1] Baggi et al. (2026). Molecular Preorganization Unlocks Reversible Solid-State Photoconversion in Dianthrylnaphthalene-Based Molecular Solar Thermal Systems. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. DOI
[2] Fei et al. (2026). Orchestrating photoswitch thermal backconversion using hydrogen bonds to reshape energy landscapes. Nat. Commun. 17. DOI
[3] Miroshnichenko et al. (2026). Bidirectional Photoswitching of a Tailored Azobenzene with Red and Far-Red Light Involving Triplet Sensitization in an Aqueous System. Adv. Sci. DOI
[4] Baronas et al. (2025). Automated Research Platform for Development of Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Photon Upconversion Systems. ACS Cent. Sci. 11, 413–421. DOI
[5] Salthouse et al. (2026). Modulation of Photoluminescence and Solar Thermal Energy Storage in Norbornadiene–Quadricyclane Dimers. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 65, e16629. DOI
Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:
- A doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Documented hands-on research experience in synthetic chemistry.
You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.
The following experience will strengthen your application:
- It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
- Experience in organic synthesis of molecular photoswitches, photochromic compounds or molecular solar thermal energy-storage systems.
- Experience in thermal and materials characterization, for example differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microscopy or diffraction techniques
- Experience in Automation, high-throughput experimentation, flow chemistry, laboratory robotics, programming or data-driven materials discovery
We welcome applicants with complementary strengths across these areas; prior experience in every technique is not expected. Scientific curiosity, experimental creativity and a collaborative working style are important.
What you will do
- Design and synthesize photoswitchable molecules and supramolecular materials for coupled MOST and phase-change energy storage.
- Investigate photochemical switching, thermal energy storage and release, solid–liquid transitions, and reversible cycling.
- Explore structure–property relationships, including the influence of molecular packing and supramolecular interactions on energy density, kinetics and stability.
- Develop, automated experimental workflows for materials synthesis, screening, data collection and analysis.
- Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent
- Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
Contract terms
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
What we offer
- As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than December 12
For questions, please contact:
Professor Kasper Moth-Poulsen
mkasper@chalmers.se
We look forward to your application!
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
