10 month Postdoc/Scientist for Solution Processing in-Situ XAS-XRD Platform - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background

The Balder beamline is dedicated to X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) in the medium and hard X-ray energy range, 2.4-40 keV. The high brilliance from the 3 GeV storage ring in combination with the beamline design allows to perform time-resolved measurements down to sub-second time resolution.

The In-situ multi-parameter Analysis Platform for Formation of Energy Materials (in-FORM) is a collaborative project of scientists from the Balder beamline of MAX IV and the division of Chemical Physics at Lund University. With in-FORM we have created a synchrotron-based in-situ platform for solution processed materials to gain insight into the formation of functional materials during deposition. This instrumentation consists of a slot-die coating and annealing system with atmosphere control, suitably small foot-print as well as flexibility for integration into the Balder beamline. We are developing methods for real-time in-situ investigations during deposition of functional energy materials combining X-ray spectroscopy (XAS/XRF), X-ray scattering (XRD) and optical spectroscopy (X-ray- / optically excited luminescence and reflection). The aim is to capture changes in composition, structure and optoelectronic properties simultaneously. By also developing correlative data acquisition, analysis and visualization tools, we will enable a broader material research community to make use of our methodology. With this project we will stablish an in-situ material research platform for research communities in the fields of catalysis, batteries and photovoltaics, which can be expanded for any solution-processable material.

Job description

We are looking for a post doctoral fellow to continue the development of novel instrumentation for high-throughput in-situ investigations during solution processing (slot-die coating) of various materials. This is a short term position for 10 months to complete the project. This includes completing the development of a small-footprint roll-to-roll slot-die coating and thermal annealing system with in-situ capabilities for X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy. This system is being developed in collaboration with the project team and a slot-die coating company. The postdoc will use the newly built equipment and will  investigate in-situ the formation processes of materials from different fields of catalysis, photovoltaics and batteries in collaboration with experts in the respective field. 

Qualifications

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subjects of physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering or a related discipline, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• documented experience in (at least one of the following): Solution-based processing, X-ray diffraction (thin-film), X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in-situ optical spectroscopy (UV-vis, Photoluminescence, etc.)
• experience designing, building and commissioning slot-die coating equipment and use with synchrotron techniques
• significant experience of hard X-ray spectroscopy and diffraction synchrotron techniques 
• willing to and capable of designing (CAD), building and using novel complex instrumentation
• demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team
• excellent command of spoken and written English, well-developed communication skills

The following qualifications are considered an asset:

• experience in CAD-based design of scientific equipment
• experience in solution processing of thin-films for either photovoltaic, catalysis or battery applications
• experience in programming and process automation

We offer

This position offers a focused project within the cutting-edge field of real-time in-situ material research at one of the most advanced synchrotrons. The applicant will work on an inter-disciplinary project together with experts in the fields of solution processing techniques, in-situ X-ray spectroscopy and diffraction analysis as well as with experts from catalysis, photovoltaics and battery material research. There is a high potential for high impact publication of project results and research career development.